Proverbs 28
1 The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
The wicked flee when no one pursueth; But the righteous is as bold as a 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.
Through the transgression of a land many are its rulers; But through men of prudence and understanding the prince shall live long.
3 A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
A poor man who oppresseth the needy Is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
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 who forsake the law praise the wicked; But they who keep 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.
Wicked men understand not equity; But they who 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 a poor man who walketh in uprightness, Than he who 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.
He that keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is the companion of prodigals bringeth shame 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 substance by usurious gain Gathereth it for him who will pity the poor.
9 As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be 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.
He that causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way Shall himself fall into his own pit; But the upright shall have good things in possession.
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 conceit; But the poor man, who hath understanding, will 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 rejoice, there is great glorying; But, when the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves.
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 covereth his sins shall not prosper; But he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have 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 the man who feareth always! But he who hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
As a roaring lion and a hungry bear, So is a wicked ruler over a needy 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 who is weak in understanding is great in oppression; But he who hateth unjust gain shall 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 who is burdened with life-blood—Let him flee to the pit! let no man stay him!
18 He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
He who walketh uprightly shall be safe; But he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
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 who tilleth his land shall have bread enough; And he that followeth after worthless persons shall have poverty enough.
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 shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall 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; Since for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22 He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
He who hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, And considereth not that poverty 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 who rebuketh a man shall afterwards find favor More than he who flattereth with his 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 stealeth from his father or his mother, And saith, “It is no transgression,” The same is the companion of a robber.
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 who is of a proud heart stirreth up strife; But he that trusteth in the LORD shall be rich.
26 He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
He who trusteth in his own understanding is a fool; But he who walketh wisely shall be delivered.
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 who giveth to the poor shall not want; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
When the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves; But, when they perish, the righteous increase.
