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The Boldness of the Righteous
28Verse 1The wicked flee when no one pursues,but the righteous are as bold as a lion.Verse 2A land in rebellion has many rulers,but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.Verse 3A destitute leader who oppresses the pooris like a driving rain that leaves no food.Verse 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,but those who keep the law resist them.Verse 5Evil men do not understand justice,but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.Verse 6Better a poor man who walks with integritythan a rich man whose ways are perverse.Verse 7A discerning son keeps the law,but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.Verse 8He who increases his wealth by interest and usurylays it up for one who is kind to the poor.Verse 9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law,even his prayer is detestable.Verse 10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit,but the blameless will inherit what is good.Verse 11A rich man is wise in his own eyes,but a poor man with discernment sees through him.Verse 12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.Verse 13He who conceals his sins will not prosper,but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.Verse 14Blessed is the man who is always reverent,+but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.Verse 15Like a roaring lion or a charging bearis a wicked ruler over a helpless people.Verse 16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor,but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.Verse 17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;+let no one support him.Verse 18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.Verse 19The one who works his land will have plenty of food,but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.Verse 20A faithful man will abound with blessings,but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.Verse 21To show partiality is not good,yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.Verse 22A stingy man+hastens after wealthand does not know that poverty awaits him.Verse 23He who rebukes a man will later find more favorthan one who flatters with his tongue.Verse 24He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,”is a companion to the man who destroys.Verse 25A greedy man stirs up strife,but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.Verse 26He who trusts in himself is a fool,but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.Verse 27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need,but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.Verse 28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves;but when they perish, the righteous flourish.