New American Standard Bible

Proverbs 28:1-15 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

1. The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2. By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.

3. A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

4. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.

5. Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all things.

6. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

7. He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

8. He who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

9. He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

10. He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good.

11. The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding sees through him.

12. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13. He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.

14. How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15. Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.