Proverbs 28
1 The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread.
The wicked flee when no one pursueth; But the righteous is as bold 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.
Through the transgression of a land many are its rulers; But through men of prudence and understanding the prince shall live long.
3 A poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine.
A poor man who oppresseth the needy Is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4 Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.
They who forsake the law praise the wicked; But they who keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men do not intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward all things.
Wicked men understand not equity; But they who seek the LORD understand all things.
6 Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.
Better is a poor man who walketh in uprightness, Than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to 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 Whoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely to the poor.
He that increaseth his substance by usurious gain Gathereth it for him who will pity the poor.
9 Whoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be an abomination.
10 Whoever deceives the just in a malicious way will fall into his own perdition. And the simple shall possess his goods.
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 rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate him.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor man, who hath understanding, will search him through.
12 In the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruin.
When the righteous rejoice, there is great glorying; But, when the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves.
13 Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercy.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; But he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who is ever fearful. Yet truly, whoever is hardened in mind will fall into evil.
Happy the man who feareth always! But he who hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear.
As a roaring lion and a hungry bear, So is a wicked ruler over a needy people.
16 A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days.
The prince who is weak in understanding is great in oppression; But he who hateth unjust gain shall prolong his days.
17 A man who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate him.
A man who is burdened with life-blood—Let him flee to the pit! let no man stay him!
18 Whoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at once.
He who walketh uprightly shall be safe; But he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19 Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with need.
He who tilleth his land shall have bread enough; And he that followeth after worthless persons shall have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocent.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not go unpunished.
21 Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth.
To have respect to persons is not good; Since for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22 A man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm him.
He who hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, And considereth not that poverty will come upon 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 rebuketh a man shall afterwards find favor More than he who flattereth 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.
Whoso stealeth from his father or his mother, And saith, “It is no transgression,” The same is the companion of a robber.
25 Whoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healed.
He who is of a proud heart stirreth up strife; But he that trusteth in the LORD shall be rich.
26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved.
He who trusteth in his own understanding is a fool; But he who walketh wisely shall be delivered.
27 Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
He who giveth to the poor shall not want; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied.
When the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves; But, when they perish, the righteous increase.
