Proverbs 28

Berean Standard Bible

Chapter summary

Proverbs 28 contrasts the behaviors and outcomes of the wicked and the righteous across various aspects of life, governance, and wealth. The text examines the characteristics of rulers, noting that rebellious lands have many rulers while understanding men maintain order, and compares oppressive leaders to destructive rain or fierce predators. It details how individuals handle wealth, integrity, and the law, contrasting those who amass riches through usury or dishonesty with those who work their land or give to the poor. The chapter concludes by observing that people hide when the wicked rise to power, but flourish when the wicked perish and the righteous triumph.

Summary automatically generated from the Bible text.

Words of Jesus in red

¹The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. ²A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. ³A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. ⁴Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. ⁵Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully. ⁶Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse. ⁷A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. ⁸He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. ⁹Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. ¹⁰He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. ¹¹A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. ¹²When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. ¹³He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. ¹⁴Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. ¹⁵Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. ¹⁶A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. ¹⁷A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him. ¹⁸He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways 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 man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. ²¹To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. ²²A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. ²³He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. ²⁴He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys. ²⁵A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. ²⁶He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. ²⁷Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. ²⁸When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.

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Louis Segond 1910 and Berean Standard Bible: public domain. Cross references: open-cross-ref, Creative Commons BY 4.0.