Proverbs 28

Proverbs 28:1 "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."

Proverbs 28:2 "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."

Proverbs 28:3 "A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food."

Proverbs 28:4 "They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them."

Proverbs 28:5 "Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things]."

Proverbs 28:6 "Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich."

A guilty conscience is a terrible thing, but is a prerequisite for confident living and spiritual boldness.  Wisdom promotes social order and long rule.  The Lord Jesus taught give and it shall be given unto you. Selfishness and greed bring poverty.  We see not only a sinner, but a lover of sin, as well. There are only 2 sides you can be on. One side loves God and keeps His commandments. The other side loves the world and the wickedness it brings.   Evil men  have chosen to follow Satan instead of God.  Those who seek the Lord will find Him.

We see many times the rich are self-centered. They have been told so many times how great they are, that they have come to believe it themselves. The rich man has a hard time coming to God, because he feels self-sufficient. To come to the Lord, we must first humble ourselves, and that is very difficult for a conceited man to do.

  

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy."

Proverbs 28:14 "Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief."

Proverbs 28:15 "[As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people."

Proverbs 28:16 "The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days."

Sin must not be hidden but confessed.  If we cover our sins, God will not forgive them. God has mercy on whom He will. He loves us and forgives us if we confess and ask forgiveness.   If we harden our heart to God, it opens the door to Satan and all of his evil.  A ranging bear and a lion will destroy the helpless. You may be sure the evil king will do no less to the poor.  

Proverbs 28:23 "He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue."

Proverbs 28:24 "Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer."

Proverbs 28:25 "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat."

Proverbs 28:26 "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered."

Proverbs 28:27 "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."

Someone who flatters with the tongue and says everything is okay can do you great harm. Flattery has no value but reproof does, so it leads to gratitude.  Truth is always the best rule.  A proud heart has to do with being puffed up with self. He stirs up strife because he feels no one has an opinion worth hearing but his own.  We must trust in the living God. We cannot trust in ourselves. The wise in heart seek God.  God counts everything you give to the poor as if you were giving to Him.  You cannot out give God.  God loves a cheerful giver.