Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The ungodly [man] flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident 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.
By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.
3 A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and profitable rain,
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.
so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.
5 Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.
Evil men will not understand judgement: but they that seek the Lord will understand everything.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in ways, though he be rich.
A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.
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 wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.
He that increases his wealth by usuries and [unjust] gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.
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 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 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 conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men conceal themselves.
By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall obtain mercy.
He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames [himself] shall be loved.
14 Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
Blessed is the man who religiously fears always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.
15 A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf [is he], who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.
16 The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness 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 laden with the blood of [any] person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay 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 honour to your soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.
18 Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in [his] double ways, shall fall in one [of them].
He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled [therein].
19 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless shall have poverty enough.
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 aboundeth with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.
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 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.
An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
He that reproves a man's ways shall have more favour than he that flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father and his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man.
25 He that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon Jehovah shall be made fat.
An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.
26 He that confideth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that withdraweth his eyes shall have many a curse.
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 wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
In the places of ungodly [men] the righteous mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.
