Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are secure as a young lion.
The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding and knowledge established order shall long continue.
Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the weak is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
5 Evil men understand not justice; but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 A wise son observeth the teaching; but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father.
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.
He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit; but the whole-hearted shall inherit good.
Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him through.
The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
12 When the righteous exult, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men must be sought for.
When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ravenous bear; so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person shall hasten his steps unto the pit; none will support him.
One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved; but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
19 He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; but he that followeth after vain things shall have poverty enough.
By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
21 To have respect of persons is not good; for a man will transgress for a piece of bread.
It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
22 He that hath an evil eye hasteneth after riches, and knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall in the end find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith: 'It is no transgression', the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He who takes from his father or his mother what is theirs by right, and says, It is no sin; is the same as a taker of life.
25 He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be abundantly gratified.
He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall escape.
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
