Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding [and] of knowledge, [its] stability is prolonged.
A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in ways, though he be rich.
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7 Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of profligates bringeth shame to his father.
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, shall himself fall into his own pit; but the perfect shall inherit good.
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men conceal themselves.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall obtain mercy.
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.
A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
17 A man laden with the blood of [any] person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay him.
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
18 Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in [his] double ways, shall fall in one [of them].
He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless shall have poverty enough.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man aboundeth with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.
A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father and his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
25 He that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon Jehovah shall be made fat.
A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He that confideth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that withdraweth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
