Proverbs 28
1 A wicked man flees when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The ungodly [man] flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident as a 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.
By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.
3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and profitable rain,
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them.
so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek Jehovah understand all things.
Evil men will not understand judgment: but they that seek the Lord will understand everything.
6 Better is the poor man who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours his father.
8 He who augments his substance by interest and increase, gathers it for him who has pity on the poor.
He that increases his wealth by usuries and [unjust] gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.
9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.
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.
He that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressor also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but a poor man who has understanding searches him out.
A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.
13 He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy.
He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames [himself] shall be loved.
14 Happy is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed is the man who religiously fears always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.
15 A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf [is he], who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.
16 The ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness shall prolong his days.
A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time.
17 A man who is laden with the blood of any person shall flee to the pit. Let no man stay him.
He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety. Chasten thy son, and he shall love thee, and give honour to thy soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.
18 He who walks uprightly shall be delivered, but he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled [therein].
19 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who follows after vanity shall have poverty enough.
He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good, nor that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.
22 He who has an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not know that want shall come upon him.
An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him.
23 He who rebukes a man shall afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
He that reproves a man's ways shall have more favour than he that flatters with the 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 that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man.
25 He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.
27 He who gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who hides his eyes shall have many a curse.
He that gives to the poor shall not be in want: but he that turns away his eye [from him] shall be in great distress.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
In the places of ungodly [men] the righteous mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.
