Proverbs 27:23-27; Proverbs 28:1-14 Readings
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. (vs 23-24, NIV)
..but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. (vs 2, NIV).
If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable. (vs 9, NIV)
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble (vs 13-14,NIV).
Proverbs 27:24-27
[24]because wealth is not permanent. Not even nations last for ever.
[25]You cut the hay and then cut the grass on the hillsides while the next crop of hay is growing.
[26]You can make clothes from the wool of your sheep and buy land with the money you get from selling some of your goats.
[27]The rest of the goats will provide milk for you and your family, and for your servant women as well.
Proverbs 28:1-14
[1]The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion.
[2]When a nation sins, it will have one ruler after another. But a nation will be strong and endure when it has intelligent, sensible leaders.
[3]Someone in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops.
[4]If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them.
[5]Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.
[6]Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.
[7]A young man who obeys the law is intelligent. One who makes friends with good-for-nothings is a disgrace to his father.
[8]If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.
[9]If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.
[10]If you trick an honest person into doing evil, you will fall into your own trap.The innocent will be well rewarded.
[11]Rich people always think they are wise, but a poor person who has insight into character knows better.
[12]When good people come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad people rule, people stay in hiding.
[13]You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.
[14]Always obey the Lord and you will be happy. If you are stubborn, you will be ruined.