Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
2 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a ruler who is wise and knowledgeable provides strength and continuity.
3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
7 A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
If you keep the law, you're a wise son, but if you keep bad company you shame your father.
8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
Anyone who gets rich through charging interest and profiteering is only storing it up for someone who is kind to the poor.
9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
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.
Those who lead good people astray into evil ways will fall into their own traps, but the innocent will receive a good reward.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
17 A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them.
18 He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.
19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase fantasies you'll end up with nothing.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
If you're trustworthy, you'll be richly rewarded; but if you try to get rich quick, you won't go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
24 He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
A man who robs his father and mother, and says, “It's not a crime,” is one step away from becoming a murderer.
25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways 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.
If you give to the poor, you won't be in need; but if you look the other way, you'll have many curses.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.
