(KJV) Proverbs 28¹

⥃The Boldness of the Righteous

[1] The wicked² flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous³ are bold as a lion. [2] For the transgression⁴ of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but⁵ by a man⁶ of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged. [3] A poor man⁷ that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food⁸. [4] They that⁹ forsake the law praise the wicked: but¹⁰ such as keep the law contend with them. [5] Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all [things].¹¹ [6] Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich.¹² [7] Whoso keepeth¹³ the law [is] a wise son: but¹⁴ he that is a companion of riotous [men¹⁵] shameth his father. [8] He that by¹⁶ usury and unjust gain¹⁷ increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity¹⁸ the poor. [9] He that turneth¹⁹ away his ear from hearing the law, even²⁰ his prayer [shall be] abomination. [10] Whoso causeth²¹ the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall²² fall himself into his own pit: but²³ the upright shall have good [things] in possession. [11] The rich²⁴ man [is] wise in his own conceit²⁵; but the poor²⁶ that hath understanding searcheth him out. [12] When righteous²⁷ [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but²⁸ when the wicked rise, a man is hidden²⁹. [13] He that³⁰ covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso³¹ confesseth and forsaketh³² [them] shall have mercy. [14] Happy³³ [is] the man that feareth alway: but³⁴ he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. [15] [As] a roaring³⁵ lion, and a ranging³⁶ bear; [so³⁷ is] a wicked ruler over the poor people. [16] The prince³⁸ that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that³⁹ hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days. [17] A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.⁴⁰ [18] Whoso walketh⁴¹ uprightly shall be saved: but⁴² [he that is] perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once. [19] He that tilleth⁴³ his land shall have plenty of bread: but⁴⁴ he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough. [20] A faithful⁴⁵ man shall abound with blessings: but⁴⁶ he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent⁴⁷. [21] To have respect⁴⁸ of persons [is] not good: for⁴⁹ for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress. [22] He that hasteth⁵⁰ to be rich⁵¹ [hath] an evil⁵² eye, and⁵³ considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. [23] He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.⁵⁴ [24] Whoso robbeth⁵⁵ his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same⁵⁶ [is] the companion of a destroyer⁵⁷. [25] He that is⁵⁸ of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth⁵⁹ his trust in the Lord shall be made⁶⁰ fat. [26] He that⁶¹ trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but⁶² whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. [27] He that giveth⁶³ unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth⁶⁴ his eyes shall⁶⁵ have many a curse. [28] When the wicked⁶⁶ rise, men hide⁶⁷ themselves: but when they perish⁶⁸, the righteous increase.