Proverbs 28:12-26

When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
    but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
    but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
    but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
    but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
    will seek refuge in the grave;
    let no one hold them back.

The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,
    but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.

Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

A faithful person will be richly blessed,
    but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

To show partiality is not good—
    yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.

The stingy are eager to get rich
    and are unaware that poverty awaits them.

Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
    rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

Whoever robs their father or mother
    and says, “It’s not wrong,”
    is partner to one who destroys.

The greedy stir up conflict,
    but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

Those who trust in themselves are fools,
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.