Proverbs 28
1 The wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth: but the just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread.
The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the 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.
Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor, is like a violent shower, which bringeth a famine.
A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
4 They that forsake the law, praise the wicked man: they that keep it, are incensed against him.
Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
5 Evil men think not on judgment: but they that seek after the Lord, take notice of all things.
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better is the poor man walking in his simplicity, than the rich in crooked ways.
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 He that keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that feedeth gluttons, shameth his father.
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on 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 makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his prayer shall be as abomination.
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 He that deceiveth the just in a wicked way, shall fall in his own destruction: and the upright shall possess his goods.
Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
11 The rich man seemeth to himself wise: but the poor man that is prudent shall search him out.
The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
12 In the joy of the just there is great glory: when the wicked reign, men are ruined.
When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
13 He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy.
He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
14 Blessed is the man that is always fearful: but he that is hardened in mind, shall fall into evil.
Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion, and a hungry bear, so is a wicked prince over the poor people.
Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
16 A prince void of prudence shall oppress many by calumny: but he that hateth covetousness, shall prolong his days.
The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
17 A man that doth violence to the blood of a person, if he flee even to the pit, no man will stay him.
One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
18 He that walketh uprightly, shall be saved: he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
19 He that tilleth his ground, shall be filled with bread: but he that followeth idleness shall be filled with poverty.
By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
20 A faithful man shall be much praised: but he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent.
A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
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.
It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
22 A man, that maketh haste to be rich, and envieth others, is ignorant that poverty shall come upon him.
He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on 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 says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words 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 takes from his father or his mother what is theirs by right, and says, It is no sin; is the same as a taker of life.
25 He that boasteth, and puffeth up himself, stirreth up quarrels: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be healed.
He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh wisely, he shall be saved.
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
27 He that giveth to the poor, shall not want: he that despiseth his entreaty, shall suffer indigence.
He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
28 When the wicked rise up, men shall hide themselves: when they perish, the lust shall be multiplied.
When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
