“The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
Because of the wrongdoing of a land, its princes are many,
But by a person of understanding and knowledge,
So it endures.”

“A poor man who oppresses the helpless
Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
Those who abandon the Law praise the wicked,
But those who keep the Law strive with them.”

“Evil people do not understand justice,
But those who seek the Lord understand everything.
Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
Than a person who is crooked, though he is rich.”

“A discerning son guards the Law,
But a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
One who increases his wealth by interest of any kind
Collects it for one who is gracious to the poor.”

“One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
One who leads the upright astray on an evil path
Will himself fall into his own pit,
But the blameless will inherit good.”

“A rich person is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
But when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.”

“One who conceals his wrongdoings will not prosper,
But one who confesses and abandons them will find compassion.
How blessed is the person who fears always,
But one who hardens his heart will fall into disaster.”

“Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear
Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
A leader who lacks understanding is a great oppressor,
But one who hates dishonest gain will prolong his days.”

“A person burdened with the guilt of human blood
Will flee until death; let no one support him.
One who walks blamelessly will be saved,
But one who is crooked will fall all at once.”

“One who works his land will have plenty of bread,
But one who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
A faithful person will abound with blessings,
But one who hurries to get rich will not go unpunished.”

“To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a person will do wrong.
A person with an evil eye hurries after wealth
And does not know that poverty will come upon him.”

“One who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor
Than one who flatters with the tongue.
One who robs his father or his mother and says, ‘It is not a wrongdoing,’
Is the companion of a person who destroys.”

“An arrogant person stirs up strife,
But one who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
One who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But one who walks wisely will flee to safety.”

“One who gives to the poor will never lack,
But one who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
When the wicked rise, people hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.”

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Context and Meaning

Proverbs 28 is a chapter of contrasts — righteousness vs wickedness, integrity vs corruption, confession vs concealment, generosity vs greed, confidence in God vs confidence in self.

It shows how righteousness brings stability, justice, boldness, and blessing — while wickedness leads to fear, oppression, and collapse.

It teaches:

Righteousness makes you bold.
Wickedness makes you terrified.
Integrity strengthens a nation.
Corruption destroys it.

Key Themes:

1. Boldness of the Righteous: Courage comes from a clean conscience (v. 1).
2. Integrity Over Riches: A poor man with integrity is better than a rich cheat (v. 6).
3. Understanding Justice: Only those who seek the Lord truly grasp justice (v. 5).
4. Danger of Ignoring God’s Word: Refusing to listen makes even prayer detestable (v. 9).
5. Consequences of Leading Others Astray: Evil leadership backfires (v. 10).
6. Confession and Mercy: Concealing sin kills; confession brings compassion (v. 13).
7. Fear of the Lord: A soft heart preserves; a hardened heart destroys (v. 14).
8. Corrupt Leadership: Oppression destroys a people (v. 15–16).
9. Stable Work Ethic: Diligence produces abundance (v. 19–20).
10. Dangers of Greed: Rushing to wealth brings ruin (v. 22).
11. Value of Honest Correction: Rebuke > flattery (v. 23).
12. Folly of Self-Trust: Trusting your own heart is foolish (v. 26).
13. Blessing of Generosity: Giving to the poor brings provision (v. 27).

Reflection and Impact

This chapter exposes the spiritual laws that govern human life:

• Righteousness produces courage – (v. 1) echoes Acts 4:13 and 2 Timothy 1:7.
• Integrity is worth more than wealth – (v. 6) matches Matthew 5:8.
• Seek God to understand justice – (v. 5) aligns with Micah 6:8.
• Ignoring God’s Word corrupts prayer – (v. 9) parallels John 9:31.
• Confession brings mercy – (v. 13) reflects 1 John 1:9.
• Fear of God protects – (v. 14) echoes Proverbs 14:27.
• Reject greed – (v. 20–22) matches 1 Timothy 6:9–10.
• Do not trust your own heart – (v. 26) ties to Jeremiah 17:9: the heart is deceitful.
• God blesses generosity – (v. 27) mirrors Proverbs 19:17 and Luke 6:38.

Application

• Walk in Integrity: It is better to be poor and righteous than rich and corrupt.
• Be Courageous in Righteousness: A clean heart stands bold.
• Confess Quickly: Concealed sin rots the soul.
• Seek God Daily: Only He gives true understanding of justice.
• Reject Greed: Wealth gained hastily ends in ruin.
• Be Generous: Open hands invite God’s provision.
• Reject Self-Trust: Trust the Lord, not your feelings.
• Value Correction: Honest rebuke is love; flattery is poison.

Closing Thought

Proverbs 28 reveals a spiritual reality that cannot be undone:

The righteous stand like lions.
The wicked flee like shadows.

Courage flows from a heart in harmony with God;
fear flows from a heart in rebellion against Him.

“The righteous are bold as a lion.”