Proverbs 28
1 The wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth: but the just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread.
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 For the sins of the land many are the princes thereof: and for the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the prince shall be prolonged.
A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor, is like a violent shower, which bringeth a famine.
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 man: they that keep it, are incensed against him.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Evil men think not on judgment: but they that seek after the Lord, take notice of all things.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
6 Better is the poor man walking in his simplicity, than the rich in crooked ways.
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7 He that keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that feedeth gluttons, shameth his father.
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He that heapeth together riches by usury and loan, gathereth them for him that will be bountiful 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 ears from hearing the law, his prayer shall be as abomination.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
10 He that deceiveth the just in a wicked way, shall fall in his own destruction: and the upright shall possess his goods.
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 The rich man seemeth to himself wise: but the poor man that is prudent shall search him out.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
12 In the joy of the just there is great glory: when the wicked reign, men are ruined.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy.
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14 Blessed is the man that is always fearful: but he that is hardened in mind, shall fall into evil.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion, and a hungry bear, so is a wicked prince over the poor people.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A prince void of prudence shall oppress many by calumny: but 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 that doth violence to the blood of a person, if he flee even to the pit, no man will stay him.
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
18 He that walketh uprightly, shall be saved: he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He that tilleth his ground, shall be filled with bread: but he that followeth idleness shall be filled with poverty.
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 shall be much praised: 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 He that hath respect to a person in judgment, doth not well: such a man even for a morsel of bread forsaketh the truth.
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 A man, that maketh haste to be rich, and envieth others, is ignorant 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 afterward find favour with him, more than he that by a flattering tongue deceiveth him.
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 He that stealeth any thing from his father, or from his mother: and saith, This is no sin, is the partner of a murderer.
He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
25 He that boasteth, and puffeth up himself, stirreth up quarrels: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be healed.
A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh wisely, he shall be saved.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27 He that giveth to the poor, shall not want: he that despiseth his entreaty, shall suffer indigence.
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 up, men shall hide themselves: when they perish, the lust shall be multiplied.
When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
