Proverbs 28:1-14

Evil people run even though no one is chasing them, but good people are as brave as a lion. When a country is lawless, it has one ruler after another; but when it is led by a leader with understanding and knowledge, it continues strong. Rulers who mistreat the poor are like a hard rain that destroys the crops. Those who disobey what they have been taught praise the wicked, but those who obey what they have been taught are against them. Evil people do not understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand it completely. It is better to be poor and innocent than to be rich and wicked. Children who obey what they have been taught are wise, but friends of troublemakers disgrace their parents. Some people get rich by overcharging others, but their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor. If you refuse to obey what you have been taught, your prayers will not be heard. Those who lead good people to do wrong will be ruined by their own evil, but the innocent will be rewarded with good things. Rich people may think they are wise, but the poor with understanding will prove them wrong. When good people triumph, there is great happiness, but when the wicked get control, everybody hides. If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy. Those who are always respectful will be happy, but those who are stubborn will get into trouble.