Proverbs 28

Bad folks on the run

1Bad people run away when no one is chasing them.
But people who live good lives have the courage of a lion.
2When people revolt, many try to take charge.
But when a leader is sensible, stability settles in for the long haul.
3When one poor person hurts another,
the attacker is like a pounding rain that destroys all the crops.

Take a stand for justice

4Lawbreakers honor bad people.
Law-abiding people fight for justice, and take a stand against evil.
5Bad people have no concept of justice—they don’t get it.
But people devoted to the LORD understand it completely.
6It’s better to live a life of integrity, poor as can be,
Than to live a crooked life, rich as all get out.
7Smart children obey instructions.
Children who hang out with troublemakers disgrace their parents.

Note to bankers

8If you get rich by loaning money and charging high interest rates,
You’ll lose it all to people who are kind to the poor.
9If you don’t bother to listen when people try to teach you something,
Why expect anyone to listen to your disgusting requests in prayer?
10If you entice a good person into doing something wrong,
You’re going to fall into your own trap.
But people who live a good life devoted to God have a bright future.
11Rich people see themselves as smart.
Smart poor people see right through them.

When to keep a low profile

12Most people celebrate when the good guys win.
But when the bad guys take control, smart people keep a low profile.
13If you keep hiding your hurtful behavior, you won’t do well.
But if you admit it and then stop it, people will show you compassion.
14You’ll have a happy life if you’re respectful.
But you’ll have a lot of trouble if you treat people callously.
15A bad ruler who hurts the poor
Can be as terrifying as a roaring lion
And as destructive a charging bear.

Make honest money and live longer

16Anyone who oppresses the people they lead understand nothing important.
People who refuse to take dishonest money will live longer because of it.
17People who have killed others will be hunted down until they die.
No one should help this fugitive in any way.
18Honest people who live good lives will be saved.
Crooks are going down, in a sudden fall.
19If you work your land, you’ll have plenty of food.
If you waste your time, you’ll have plenty of nothing.
20If you live devoted to God, you’ll have a life full of happiness.
But if you race to get rich, you’ll pay the penalty.
21Don’t play favorites with people.
Hungry people will break the law to get food.

Poverty runs down the rich

22Greedy people run after wealth.
They have no idea poverty is catching up and will run them down.
23If someone does something wrong and you call that person on it,
You’ll end up better appreciated than someone who flattered them.

Kids who loot their parents

24People who rob their parents and say, “I did nothing wrong,”
Are no better than looters.
25Greedy people stir up trouble,
But people who trust the LORD are the ones who will succeed.
26If you live life by trusting your gut instincts, you’re an idiot.
But if you live wisely, you will be saved.
27If you help the poor, you’ll always have what you need.
But if you ignore them, you’re going to have a lot of trouble.
28When bad people rise to power, good people hide.
When those bad people die, the good people come out and flourish again.