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28:1  The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion.
28:2  When a land does wrong, it has many princes, But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures.
28:3  A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
28:4  Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them.
28:5  Evil men do not understand justice, But they who long for and seek the Lord understand it fully.
28:6  Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked and two-faced though he is rich.
28:7  He who keeps the law [of God and man] is a wise and discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father [and himself].
28:8  He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest) Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.
28:9  He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man], Even his prayer is repulsive [to God].
28:10  He who leads the upright astray on an evil path Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good.
28:11  The rich man [who is conceited and relies on his wealth instead of God] is wise in his own eyes, But the poor man who has understanding [because he relies on God] is able to see through him.
28:12  When the righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration; But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves.
28:13  He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.
28:14  Blessed and favored by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times, But he who hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster.
28:15  Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
28:16  A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days], But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days.
28:17  A man who is burdened with the guilt of human blood (murder) Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him or give him refuge.
28:18  He who walks blamelessly and uprightly will be kept safe, But he who is crooked (perverse) will suddenly fall.
28:19  He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows worthless people and frivolous pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
28:20  A faithful (right-minded) man will abound with blessings, But he who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.
28:21  To have regard for one person over another and to show favoritism is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
28:22  He who has an evil and envious eye hurries to be rich And does not know that poverty will come upon him.
28:23  He who [appropriately] reprimands a [wise] man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue.
28:24  He who robs his father or his mother And says, “This is no sin,” Is [not only a thief but also] the companion of a man who destroys.
28:25  An arrogant and greedy man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be blessed and prosper.
28:26  He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool, But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.
28:27  He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses.
28:28  When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves; But when the wicked perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become great.