Proverbs 28
1 The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
The ungodly [man] flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident 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.
By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.
3 When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and profitable rain,
4 People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.
5 Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
Evil men will not understand judgment: but they that seek the Lord will understand everything.
6 Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.
7 If you keep the law, you're a wise son, but if you keep bad company you shame your father.
A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours 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 that increases his wealth by usuries and [unjust] gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.
9 God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.
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 that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressor also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it.
11 The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.
12 When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.
13 People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames [himself] shall be loved.
14 Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.
Blessed is the man who religiously fears always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.
15 A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf [is he], who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.
16 An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time.
17 Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them.
He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety. Chasten thy son, and he shall love thee, and give honour to thy soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.
18 If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.
He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled [therein].
19 If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase fantasies you'll end up with nothing.
He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty.
20 If you're trustworthy, you'll be richly rewarded; but if you try to get rich quick, you won't go unpunished.
A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.
21 Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.
22 Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him.
23 Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
He that reproves a man's ways shall have more favour than he that 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 that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man.
25 Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.
26 People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways will be kept safe.
He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.
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 that gives to the poor shall not be in want: but he that turns away his eye [from him] shall be in great distress.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.
In the places of ungodly [men] the righteous mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.
