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.
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
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 contend with them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.
Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in ways, though he be rich.
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
7 Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of profligates bringeth shame to his father.
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he 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.
He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
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 causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding 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 doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.
A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17 A man laden with the blood of [any] person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay him.
A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will 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].
Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless shall have poverty enough.
One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who 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 is rich with blessings; but one who is 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 hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who 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.
Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer.
25 He that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon Jehovah shall be made fat.
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one 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.
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that withdraweth his eyes shall have many a curse.
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
