< Proverbs 28 >
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are secure as a young lion.
2 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding and knowledge established order shall long continue.
3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
A poor man that oppresseth the weak is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
Evil men understand not justice; but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
A wise son observeth the teaching; but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.
9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
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.
Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit; but the whole-hearted shall inherit good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him through.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
When the righteous exult, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men must be sought for.
13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
As a roaring lion, and a ravenous bear; so is a wicked 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 that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17 A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
A man that is laden with the blood of any person shall hasten his steps unto the pit; none will support him.
18 He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved; but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; but he that followeth after vain things shall have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
To have respect of persons is not good; for a man will transgress for a piece of bread.
22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
He that hath an evil eye hasteneth after riches, and knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
He that rebuketh a man shall in the end find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24 He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith: 'It is no transgression', the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be abundantly gratified.
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall escape.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.