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.
For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
3 When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] 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 the LORD understand all [things].
6 Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that 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.
Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth 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, he shall gather it for him that will pity 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 [shall be] 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 righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession.
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 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 righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
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 sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have 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 alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
[As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] 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 that doeth violence to 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.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but [he that 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 that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] 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 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: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.
22 Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23 Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall 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 or 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 of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD 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 trusteth 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 hideth 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.
