Proverbs 28:3-20

3 Rulers who mistreat the poor are like a hard rain that destroys the crops.

4 Those who disobey what they have been taught praise the wicked, but those who obey what they have been taught are against them.

5 Evil people do not understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.

6 It is better to be poor and innocent than to be rich and wicked.

7 Children who obey what they have been taught are smart, but friends of troublemakers disgrace their parents.

8 Some people get rich by overcharging others, but their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor.

9 If you refuse to obey what you have been taught, your prayers will not be heard.

10 Those who lead good people to do wrong will be ruined by their own evil, but the innocent will be rewarded with good things.

11 Rich people may think they are wise, but the poor with understanding will prove them wrong.

12 When good people triumph, there is great happiness, but when the wicked get control, everybody hides.

13 If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.

14 Those who are always respectful will be happy, but those who are stubborn will get into trouble.

15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to poor people as a roaring lion or a charging bear.

16 A ruler without wisdom will be cruel, but the one who refuses to take dishonest money will rule a long time.

17 Don't help those who are guilty of murder; let them run until they die.

18 Innocent people will be kept safe, but those who are dishonest will suddenly be ruined.

19 Those who work their land will have plenty of food, but the ones who chase empty dreams instead will end up poor.

20 A truthful person will have many blessings, but those eager to get rich will be punished.

Proverbs 28:3-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 15

In this chapter we have a short history of the reign of Abijam, 1Ki 15:1-8 and of Asa, 1Ki 14:9-24, both kings of Judah; and of the reigns of Nadab the son of Jeroboam, and of Baasha, who destroyed his family, both kings of Israel, 1Ki 15:25-34.