CHAPTER 28
He who increases
his wealth
by interest
and usury
lays it up for another,
who will be kind
to the poor.
He who leads
the upright
along the path
of evil
will fall
into his own
pit,
but the blameless
will inherit
what is good.
He who conceals
his sins
will not
prosper,
but whoever confesses
and renounces them
will find mercy.
A leader
who lacks
understanding
is also a great
oppressor,
but he who hates
dishonest profit
will prolong
his days.
He who walks
with integrity
will be delivered,
but whoever is perverse
in his ways
will suddenly
fall.
The one who works
his land
will have plenty of
food,
but whoever chases
fantasies
will have his fill
of poverty.
He who robs
his father
or mother,
saying,
“It is not
wrong,”
is a companion
to a man
who destroys.
Whoever gives
to the poor
will not
be in need,
but he who hides
his eyes
will receive many
curses.
When the wicked
come to power,
people
hide themselves;
but when they perish,
the righteous
flourish.