Proverbs 28
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1The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 2In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge. 3A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops. 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them. 5Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully. 6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich. 7Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor. 9He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. 10Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good. 11The rich man 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, men hide themselves. 13He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 14Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 15As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. 16A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. 17A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him. 18Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly. 19One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. 20A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is 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 hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him. 23One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue. 24Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not wrong.” He is a partner with a destroyer. 25One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper. 26One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe. 27One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses. 28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13
Summary
Proverbs 28 presents a series of wise sayings contrasting the behaviors and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. It highlights how the righteous are bold like lions, whereas the wicked flee though no one pursues. The chapter examines social justice themes, showing that those who oppress the poor are compared to a driving rain that leaves no crops, symbolizing destruction and lack of productivity. Additionally, it warns against following worthless pursuits and underscores the blessings of faithful work and integrity. The text emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's law, contrasting it with those who forsake it and praise the wicked. Moreover, corrupt leadership is discussed; a ruler lacking understanding leads to oppression, but those governed by righteous leaders thrive. This wisdom literature also portrays the futility of gaining wealth through greed compared to honest work, and repeatedly emphasizes the value of seeking wisdom as a path to stability and blessings. Another key theme is repentance and confession, offering an association with mercy and forgiveness, rather than a hardening heart that leads to trouble. The chapter concludes with assurances that those who are generous to the poor will lack nothing, drawing the reader's attention to ethical living and community responsibility. Theological significance is found in its call to ethical behavior, reverence for God's commands, and its stark contrast between paths of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, which are central themes of the biblical worldview.
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