Proverbs 28
1 The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
A wicked man flees when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a ruler who is wise and knowledgeable provides strength and continuity.
For the transgression of a land many are the rulers of it. But by men of understanding and knowledge the state shall be prolonged.
3 When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
A needy man who oppresses the poor is a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
4 People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek Jehovah understand all things.
6 Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
Better is the poor man who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 If you keep the law, you're a wise son, but if you keep bad company you shame your father.
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Anyone who gets rich through charging interest and profiteering is only storing it up for someone who is kind to the poor.
He who augments his substance by interest and increase, gathers it for him who has pity on the poor.
9 God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Those who lead good people astray into evil ways will fall into their own traps, but the innocent will receive a good reward.
He who causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit. But the perfect shall inherit good.
11 The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but a poor man who has understanding searches him out.
12 When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy.
14 Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.
Happy is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
The ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness shall prolong his days.
17 Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them.
A man who is laden with the blood of any person shall flee to the pit. Let no man stay him.
18 If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.
He who walks uprightly shall be delivered, but he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19 If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase fantasies you'll end up with nothing.
He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who follows after vanity shall have poverty enough.
20 If you're trustworthy, you'll be richly rewarded; but if you try to get rich quick, you won't go unpunished.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
21 Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
To have respect of persons is not good, nor that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
22 Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
He who has an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not know that want shall come upon him.
23 Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
He who rebukes a man shall afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 A man who robs his father and mother, and says, “It's not a crime,” is one step away from becoming a murderer.
He who robs his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25 Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
26 People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways will be kept safe.
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely, he shall be delivered.
27 If you give to the poor, you won't be in need; but if you look the other way, you'll have many curses.
He who gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who hides his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
