Proverbs 28
1 The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
Every wicked fleeth when no man pursueth; but the righteous are like the confident young lion.
2 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.
When there is transgression in a land, it hath many for its princes; but under a man of understanding and knowledge [its] prosperity will long continue.
3 A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
A poor man that oppresseth the indigent is like a sweeping rain which bringeth no bread.
4 Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as observe the law contend with them.
5 Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
Bad men understand not justice; but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
6 Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
Whoso keepeth the law is an intelligent son; but he that is a companion of gluttons bringeth dishonor on his father.
8 He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
He that increaseth his wealth by interest and usury will gather it for him that will be kind to the poor.
9 As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
When one turneth away his ear so as not to listen to the law, even his prayer becometh an abomination.
10 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.
Whoso causeth the upright to go astray on an evil way, will surely fall into his own ditch; but the men of integrity will inherit what is good.
11 The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the indigent that hath understanding can search him through.
12 When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
When the righteous exult, there is great splendor; but when the wicked rise up, a man hath to be sought for.
13 He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
He that concealeth his transgressions will not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them will obtain mercy.
14 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.
Happy is the man that always dreadeth [to do evil]; but he that hardeneth his heart will fall into unhappiness.
15 Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
As a roaring lion, and a greedy bear, so is a wicked ruler over an indigent people.
16 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.
The prince that is void of understanding is also a great oppressor; [but] he that hateth unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
A man oppressed by the load of having shed human blood will flee even to the pit: let no man hold him.
18 He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
Whoso walketh in integrity will be saved; but he that walketh perversely on two paths, will fall on one.
19 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.
He that tilleth his ground will have plenty of bread; but he that runneth after idle persons will have enough of poverty.
20 A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
A faithful man will abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
To have respect to persons is not good; because even for a piece of bread will a man transgress.
22 He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
He that is eager for wealth is a man of an evil eye, and he knoweth not that want will come upon him.
23 He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
He that reproveth a man after [my example] will obtain more grace than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24 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.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, it is no transgression, —the same is a companion of a destroyer.
25 He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
He that hath an insatiable desire stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord will be abundantly gratified.
26 He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
He that trusteth in his own sense is a fool; but whoso walketh in wisdom, will ever escape.
27 He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
He that giveth unto the poor will not have any want; but he that hideth his eyes will have an abundance of curses.
28 When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
When the wicked rise, men conceal themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
