Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as 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 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
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 destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that 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 those who keep the law resist 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 the LORD comprehend fully.
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces 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 increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is 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 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
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 conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find 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 Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
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 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will 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 burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support 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 with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
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 will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go 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 show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong 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 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits 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 will later find more favor than one who flatters with his 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 mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
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 A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
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 himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
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 come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
