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Proverbs chapter 28

English Standard Version

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. 5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. 6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. 7The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. 9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. 10Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance. 11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. 12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. 13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 14Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. 17If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him. 18 Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. 19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. 20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. 21To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong. 22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him. 23Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue. 24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, "That is no transgression," is a companion to a man who destroys. 25A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched. 26Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. 27Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. 28When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
New International Version

1The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
5Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.
6Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
10Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
13Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
17Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.
18The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.
19Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
20A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
23Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
24Whoever robs their father or mother and says, "It’s not wrong," is partner to one who destroys.
25The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.
26Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
27Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. 28When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
New American Standard Bible

1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. 2Due to a wrongdoing of a land its leaders are many, But by a person of understanding and knowledge, so it endures. 3A poor man who oppresses the helpless Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. 4Those who abandon the Law praise the wicked, But those who keep the Law strive against them. 5Evil people do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand everything. 6Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity, Than a person who is crooked, though he is rich. 7He who keeps the Law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. 8One who increases his wealth by interest of any kind, Collects it for one who is gracious to the poor. 9One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law, Even his prayer is an abomination. 10One who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. 11The rich person is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding sees through him. 12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. 13One who conceals his wrongdoings will not prosper, But one who confesses and abandons them will find compassion. 14How blessed is the person who fears always, But one who hardens his heart will fall into disaster. 15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But a person who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. 17A person who is burdened with the guilt of human blood Will be a fugitive until death; no one is to support him! 18One who walks blamelessly will receive help, But one who is crooked will fall all at once. 19One who works his land will have plenty of food, But one who follows empty pursuits will have plenty of poverty. 20A faithful person will abound with blessings, But one who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished. 21To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will do wrong. 22A person with an evil eye hurries after wealth And does not know that poverty will come upon him. 23One who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor Than one who flatters with the tongue. 24He who robs his father or his mother And says, 'There is no wrong done,' Is the companion of a person who destroys. 25An arrogant person stirs up strife, But one who trusts in the Lord will prosper. 26One who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But one who walks wisely will flee to safety. 27One who gives to the poor will never lack anything, But one who shuts his eyes will have many curses. 28When the wicked rise, people hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Christian Standard Bible

1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.
3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
4Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law pit themselves against them.
5The evil do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand everything.
6Better the poor person who lives with integrity than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.
7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
8Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest collects it for one who is kind to the poor.
9Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law— even his prayer is detestable.
10The one who leads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a poor one who has discernment sees through him.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
13The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life.
17Someone burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death. Let no one help him.
18The one who lives with integrity will be helped, but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall.
19The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20A faithful person will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.
21It is not good to show partiality — yet even a courageous person may sin for a piece of bread.
22A greedy one is in a hurry for wealth; he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him.
23One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
24The one who robs his father or mother and says, "That’s no sin," is a companion to a person who destroys.
25A greedy person stirs up conflict, but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper.
26The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses. 28When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.
New Living Translation

1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
3A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
4To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.
5Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely.
6Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
8Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
9God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.
10Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.
11Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
13People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.
16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!
18The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.
19A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
21Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
22Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
24Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, 'What’s wrong with that?' is no better than a murderer.
25Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.
26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
King James Version

1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
3A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
10Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
New King James Version

1The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion. 2Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all. 6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor. 9One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. 10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good. 11The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out. 12When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. 13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. 14Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people. 16A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. 17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him. 18Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! 20A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. 22A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him. 23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. 24Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, “ It is no transgression,” The same is companion to a destroyer. 25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. 26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered. 27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses. 28When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.

What does Proverbs chapter 28 mean?

Chapter 28 continues a long list of sayings credited to king Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes many direct contrasts. It also makes several references to rulers and leaders.

The passage starts with instructions about righteousness, justice, honesty, and reputation. A guilty conscience can lead to guilty actions, while a clear conscience leads to confidence. As stated in other proverbs, moral integrity is worth far more than material wealth. Solomon also warns that those who routinely ignore God actually anger Him when they attempt to pray, as if He is obligated to give them their wishes (Proverbs 28:1–12).

Other lessons mention the impact of ungodly rulers, and the mutual relationship between chaotic leadership and cultural sin. Wicked governments inspire fear and hiding; when those evil people are destroyed, the nation celebrates and goodness begins to grow. Other statements rephrase prior lessons about the dangers of greed and how chasing material wealth usually leads to dire consequences (Proverbs 28:13–28).
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