Proverbs 28
1 The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread.
The ungodly [man] flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident as a 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.
By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.
3 A poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine.
A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and profitable rain,
4 Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.
so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.
5 Evil men do not intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward all things.
Evil men will not understand judgment: but they that seek the Lord will understand everything.
6 Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.
A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to his father.
A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonors his father.
8 Whoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely to the poor.
He that increases his wealth by usuries and [unjust] gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.
9 Whoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable.
He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.
10 Whoever deceives the just in a malicious way will fall into his own perdition. And the simple shall possess his goods.
He that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressor also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it.
11 The rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate him.
A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.
12 In the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruin.
By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.
13 Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercy.
He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames [himself] shall be loved.
14 Blessed is the man who is ever fearful. Yet truly, whoever is hardened in mind will fall into evil.
Blessed is the man who religiously fears always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.
15 An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear.
A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf [is he], who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.
16 A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days.
A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time.
17 A man who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate him.
He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety. Chasten your son, and he shall love you, and give honor to your soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.
18 Whoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at once.
He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled [therein].
19 Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with need.
He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful man shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocent.
A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.
21 Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth.
He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.
22 A man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm him.
An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over 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 that reproves a man's ways shall have more favor than he that flatters with the 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 that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man.
25 Whoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healed.
An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.
26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved.
He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.
27 Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
He that gives to the poor shall not be in lack: but he that turns away his eye [from him] shall be in great distress.
28 When the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied.
In the places of ungodly [men] the righteous mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.
