Proverbs 28
1 A wicked man flees when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
2 For the transgression of a land many are the rulers of it. But by men of understanding and knowledge the state shall be prolonged.
Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek Jehovah understand all things.
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better is the poor man who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
8 He who augments his substance by interest and increase, gathers it for him who has pity on the poor.
He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 He who causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit. But the perfect shall inherit good.
Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but a poor man who has understanding searches him out.
The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
13 He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy.
He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
14 Happy is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.
Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
15 A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
16 The ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness shall prolong his days.
The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
17 A man who is laden with the blood of any person shall flee to the pit. Let no man stay him.
One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
18 He who walks uprightly shall be delivered, but he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
19 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who follows after vanity shall have poverty enough.
By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
21 To have respect of persons is not good, nor that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
22 He who has an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not know that want shall come upon him.
He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
23 He who rebukes a man shall afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
24 He who robs his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He who takes from his father or his mother what is theirs by right, and says, It is no sin; is the same as a taker of life.
25 He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely, he shall be delivered.
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
27 He who gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who hides his eyes shall have many a curse.
He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
