28:1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

28:2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

28:3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

28:5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

28:6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

28:7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

28:8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

28:9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.

28:10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

28:11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

28:12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.

28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

28:14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

28:15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.

28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.

28:17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him.

28:18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.

28:19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

28:20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

28:21 To show partiality is not good--yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

28:22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.

28:23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.

28:24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"--he is partner to him who destroys.

28:25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

28:27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

28:28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.