Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked people run away when no one chases them, but righteous people are as bold as a young 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.
Because of the transgression of a land, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, it will last a long time.
3 A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A poor person who oppresses other poor people is like a beating 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 wicked people, but those who keep the law fight against them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek Yahweh understand everything.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in ways, though he be rich.
It is better for a poor person who walks in his integrity, than for a rich person who is crooked in his ways.
7 Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of profligates bringeth shame to his father.
He who keeps the law is a son who has understanding, but one who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.
The one who makes his fortune by charging too much interest gathers his wealth for another who will have pity on poor people.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
If one turns away his ear 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.
Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a good inheritance.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich person may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor person who has understanding will find him out.
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 arise, people are sought out.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall obtain mercy.
The one who hides his sins will not prosper, but the one who confesses them and forsakes them will be shown mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
The one who always lives with reverence is blessed, but whoever hardens his heart will fall 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 poor people.
16 The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.
The ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but the one who hates dishonesty will prolong his days.
17 A man laden with the blood of [any] person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay him.
If a man is guilty because he has shed someone's blood, he will be a fugitive until death and no one will help him.
18 Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in [his] double ways, shall fall in one [of them].
Whoever walks with integrity will be kept safe, but the one whose way is crooked 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 follows worthless pursuits will have plenty 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 have great blessings, but the one who gets rich quickly will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.
It is not good to show partiality, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.
A stingy man hurries after riches, but he does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Whoever disciplines someone, afterward will find more favor from him than from the one who flatters him 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.
Whoever robs his father and his mother and says, “That is no sin,” he is the companion of the one 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 conflict, but the one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
26 He that confideth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
One who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will keep away from danger.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that withdraweth his eyes shall have many a curse.
The one who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but whoever closes his eyes to them will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked arise, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
