.28:1-28,

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Selfish ambition (Prov 28:1-28)

A bad conscience makes a person a coward, but a clear conscience gives a person courage (Prov 28:1).

Some characteristics of a corrupt society are instability in the government, exploitation of fellow citizens (even among the poorer classes), lawlessness, reversal of moral standards, injustice and greed. In spite of this, some will always remain true to God (Prov 28:2-7).

Even those who are religious may be guilty of exploiting the poor and misleading the upright, but their religious exercises will not help them escape God’s judgment. Those who are poor yet godly see this truth and believe that one day they will prosper, whereas their oppressors will suffer (Prov 28:8-12).

Hidden sins and a hardened conscience alike bring God’s judgment (Prov 28:13-14).

Although an individual may suffer a lifetime for causing the death of another, a whole nation may suffer because of the fury and ignorance of a despotic ruler (Prov 28:15-17).

Those who live and work honestly need not fear the future (Prov 28:18-19), but those who are greedy will in the end be driven into poverty. Some are so greedy they can be bribed even by a piece of bread (Prov 28:20-22)!

No one should neglect these warnings, for a sincere rebuke is better than flattery (Prov 28:23).

In their greed for riches, people at times cheat their parents, stir up trouble, become self-centred, neglect the poor and ignore injustice.

But those who live only for themselves will one day suffer as they have made others suffer (Prov 28:24-28).