Proverbs 28 – Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,

but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

3 A destitute leader[fn] who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4 Those who reject the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law pit themselves against them.

5 The evil do not understand justice,

but those who seek the LORD understand everything.

6 Better the poor person who lives with integrity

than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.[fn]

7 A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

8 Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest

collects it for one who is kind to the poor.

9 Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law —

even his prayer is detestable.

10 The one who leads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor one who has discernment sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph,

there is great rejoicing,[fn]

but when the wicked come to power,

people hide.

13 The one who conceals his sins

will not prosper,

but whoever confesses and renounces them

will find mercy.

14 Happy is the one who is always reverent,

but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15 A wicked ruler over a helpless people

is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.

16 A leader who lacks understanding

is very oppressive,

but one who hates dishonest profit

prolongs his life.

17 Someone burdened by bloodguilt[fn]

will be a fugitive until death.

Let no one help him.

18 The one who lives with integrity will be helped,

but one who distorts right and wrong[fn]

will suddenly fall.

19 The one who works his land

will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies

will have his fill of poverty.

20 A faithful person will have many blessings,

but one in a hurry to get rich

will not go unpunished.

21 It is not good to show partiality —

yet even a courageous person may sin for a piece of bread.

22 A greedy one[fn] is in a hurry for wealth;

he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him.

23 One who rebukes a person will later find more favor

than one who flatters with his tongue.

24 The one who robs his father or mother

and says, “That’s no sin,”

is a companion to a person who destroys.

25 A greedy person stirs up conflict,

but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26 The one who trusts in himself[fn] is a fool,

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27 The one who gives to the poor

will not be in need,

but one who turns his eyes away[fn]

will receive many curses.

28 When the wicked come to power,

people hide,

but when they are destroyed,

the righteous flourish.