Proverbs 28
1 The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread.
The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
2 Because of the sins of the land, it has many princes. And because of the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the leader shall be prolonged.
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 poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine.
A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
4 Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.
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 intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward all things.
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to his father.
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
8 Whoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely 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 away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable.
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 Whoever deceives the just in a malicious way will fall into his own perdition. And the simple shall possess his goods.
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 The rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate 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 In the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruin.
When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
13 Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake 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 ever fearful. Yet truly, whoever is hardened in mind will fall into evil.
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 An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear.
Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
16 A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall 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 who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate 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 Whoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at once.
He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
19 Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with need.
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 shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocent.
A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
21 Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth.
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 man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm him.
He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
23 Whoever corrects a man, afterward he shall find favor with him, more so than he who deceives him with a flattering 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 Whoever takes away anything from his father or mother, and who says, “This is not a sin,” is the associate of a murderer.
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 Whoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healed.
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 Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved.
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
27 Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
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 impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied.
When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
