Proverbs 28-29; 2 Corinthians 7

From today's Bible reading:

Proverbs 28:

The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion.

When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.

A poor man who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law strive against them.

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

To show partiality is not good,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue.

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs 29:

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

By justice a king builds up the land,
but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

If a ruler listens to falsehood,
all his officials will be wicked.

The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
but blessed is he who keeps the law.

By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
for though he understands, he will not respond.

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir.

A man of wrath stirs up strife,
and one given to anger causes much transgression.

One's pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

The partner of a thief hates his own life;
he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.

Many seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.


2 Corinthians 7:

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

Make room in your hearts for us.

In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within.

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment!


And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame.

But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.

And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.

I rejoice, because I have perfect confidence in you.