Proverbs 28
1 The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth; 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.
By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding [and] of knowledge, [its] stability is prolonged.
3 When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4 People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
They that 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 understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.
6 Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in 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.
Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of profligates bringeth shame to 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 by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.
9 God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
He that turneth 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.
Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, shall himself fall 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.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth 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 conceal themselves.
13 People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [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 that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
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 prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth 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 laden with the blood of [any] person, fleeth 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.
Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in [his] double ways, shall fall in one [of them].
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 tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless 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 aboundeth with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
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; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.
22 Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23 Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth 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.
Whoso robbeth his father and his mother, and saith, 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 that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon 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 that confideth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh 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 that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that withdraweth 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.
