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The Proverbs

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- Chapter 28 -

The wicked and the righteous

1
The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread.
2
Because of the sins of the land, it has many princes. And because of the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the leader shall be prolonged.
3
A poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine.
4
Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.
5
Evil men do not intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward all things.
6
Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.
7
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to his father.
8
Whoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely to the poor.
9
Whoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable.
10
Whoever deceives the just in a malicious way will fall into his own perdition. And the simple shall possess his goods.
11
The rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate him.
12
In the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruin.
13
Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercy.
14
Blessed is the man who is ever fearful. Yet truly, whoever is hardened in mind will fall into evil.
15
An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear.
16
A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days.
17
A man who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate him.
18
Whoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at once.
19
Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with need.
20
A faithful man shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocent.
21
Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth.
22
A man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm him.
23
Whoever corrects a man, afterward he shall find favor with him, more so than he who deceives him with a flattering tongue.
24
Whoever takes away anything from his father or mother, and who says, “This is not a sin,” is the associate of a murderer.
25
Whoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healed.
26
Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved.
27
Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
28
When the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied.

The wicked and the righteous

1
The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3
A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.
5
Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
7
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8
He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9
He 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 will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.
11
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14
Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15
As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16
A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17
A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.
18
Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19
One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20
A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22
A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.
23
One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.
24
Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer.
25
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
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