Proverbs 28
The wicked flee even when no one pursues, but the righteous are confident and fearless. Those who abandon the law praise the wicked, while those who keep it are inflamed against them. The poor who walk in simplicity are better off than the rich who walk in depravity. Whoever keeps the law is wise, and those who deceive the just will fall into their own perdition. The rich may seem wise, but the poor can see through their foolishness. The exultation of the just brings great glory, but when the wicked reign, men are brought to ruin.
The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dreadBecause of the sins of the land, it has many princes. And because of the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the leader shall be prolongedA poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famineThose who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against himEvil men do not intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward all thingsBetter is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravityWhoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to his fatherWhoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely to the poorWhoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestableWhoever deceives the just in a malicious way will fall into his own perdition. And the simple shall possess his goodsThe rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate himIn the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruinWhoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercyBlessed is the man who is ever fearful. Yet truly, whoever is hardened in mind will fall into evilAn impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bearA leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his daysA man who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate himWhoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at onceWhoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with needA faithful man shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocentWhoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truthA man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm himWhoever corrects a man, afterward he shall find favor with him, more so than he who deceives him with a flattering tongueWhoever takes away anything from his father or mother, and who says, "This is not a sin," is the associate of a murdererWhoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healedWhoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be savedWhoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcityWhen the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied
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