Proverbs 28 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion. In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a person of understanding and knowledge. A poor ruler who oppresses the lowly is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them. Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek YHWH understand it fully. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich. Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father. He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor. He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good. The rich person is wise in their own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through it. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always fears; but one who hardens their heart falls into trouble. As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. A person who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support them. Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly. One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful person is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished. To show partiality is not good, yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread. A person with an evil eye hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for them. One who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue. Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer. One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in YHWH will prosper. One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe. One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.