Proverbs 28

28 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

When we do wrong we constantly look over our shoulders.  We look suspicious and that makes people who think you may be up to no good keep their eyes on you.  What a waste of time.  When a person is handling business and he is doing right, he is focused on the matter at hand and it does not phase him that someone is paying any attention to him.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

When our land or world is in chaos it is because many rulers are out of line with God's Word.   But one man with the Word of God knows how to keep order and the good of the land last a long time.

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

A poor man who takes advantage of the poor takes the little they have and leaves them with absolutely nothing.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

If you praise the wicked you are blind: but anyone who stands up for is right will speak up!

5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.

We must believe God.  Believe that he will do good or he believes he punishes evil.  Those people who understand that God is telling the truth understand right from wrong.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

It is better to do things right no matter how much money you have or don't have.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

A wise son demonstrates his wisdom by obeying God's Word: Anyone who keeps bad company is an embarrassment to his parents.

8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

The wicked save money up for those who will do right by it.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

If you refuse to listen to God, God will refuse to listen to you.

10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

Leading people that knew better to go the wrong way is deadly.  The leader will fall for sure: but those who do right will be safe.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

A man of understanding studies those who are rich even though he is poor.

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

When a wicked man is in charge, people live in hiding: but people are happy to see a man that is a good man.

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Tell the person you wronged you did them wrong:  but if you tell the truth you will have mercy.  At least you can have your own personal peace.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Acknowledge God in everything: Hardheaded people will get into some deep trouble.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

Holding people under a threat is a way you can take advantage of a poor man.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

A leader who lacks understanding treats people unfairly: but anyone who hates wrong lives long.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

If a man commits a crime against another person who will run into a pit: do not hide his crime.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

Doing right and right will be done for you.  It is impossible to reap good when you have not sown well.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

Work hard and have plenty: Bad company leads to poverty.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Hard work pays off: cutting corners causes sin.

21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

To look down on others is not good:  anyone who does that cannot be trusted.

22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

Ill-gotten gain is a waste of time.

23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

People are glad when you tell them the truth.  They will thank you later.  Flattery robs a man now and later.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

If you borrow from your parents, pay them back.  If you do not do right by your parents, you are wicked.

25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.

Stay humble all the time: trust God to handle what is beyond your control.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Trust God's Word for everything.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Anyone who makes provision for the poor will have provision:  anyone who looks away and refuses to help the poor will be cursed.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. 

When the wicked are in power, people do not live boldly: but when the righteous are in power the people understand freedom.