Proverbs 28
1 The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
Every wicked fleeth when no man pursueth; but the righteous are like the confident young lion.
2 When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a ruler who is wise and knowledgeable provides strength and continuity.
When there is transgression in a land, it hath many for its princes; but under a man of understanding and knowledge [its] prosperity will long continue.
3 When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
A poor man that oppresseth the indigent is like a sweeping rain which bringeth no bread.
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 observe the law contend with them.
5 Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
Bad men understand not justice; 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 integrity, 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 an intelligent son; but he that is a companion of gluttons bringeth dishonor on 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 increaseth his wealth by interest and usury will gather it for him that will be kind to the poor.
9 God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
When one turneth away his ear so as not to listen to the law, even his prayer becometh 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 on an evil way, will surely fall into his own ditch; but the men of integrity will inherit what is 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 eyes; but the indigent that hath understanding can search him through.
12 When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
When the righteous exult, there is great splendor; but when the wicked rise up, a man hath to be sought for.
13 People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
He that concealeth his transgressions will not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them will 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 always dreadeth [to do evil]; but he that hardeneth his heart will fall into unhappiness.
15 A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
As a roaring lion, and a greedy bear, so is a wicked ruler over an indigent people.
16 An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
The prince that is void of understanding is also a great oppressor; [but] he that hateth unjust gain will 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 oppressed by the load of having shed human blood will flee even to the pit: let no man hold him.
18 If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.
Whoso walketh in integrity will be saved; but he that walketh perversely on two paths, will fall on one.
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 ground will have plenty of bread; but he that runneth after idle persons will have enough 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 faithful man will abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
To have respect to persons is not good; because even 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 is eager for wealth is a man of an evil eye, and he knoweth not that want will come upon him.
23 Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
He that reproveth a man after [my example] will obtain more grace 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 a companion of a destroyer.
25 Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
He that hath an insatiable desire stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord will be abundantly gratified.
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 sense is a fool; but whoso walketh in wisdom, will ever escape.
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 will not have any want; but he that hideth his eyes will have an abundance of curses.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.
When the wicked rise, men conceal themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
