Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are secure as a young lion.
The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread.
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 sins of the land, it has many princes. And because of the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the leader shall be prolonged.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the weak is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.
5 Evil men understand not justice; but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil men do not intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward 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 pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.
7 A wise son observeth the teaching; but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father.
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to his father.
8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.
Whoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
Whoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable.
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.
Whoever deceives the just in a malicious way will fall into his own perdition. And the simple shall possess his goods.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him through.
The rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate him.
12 When the righteous exult, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men must be sought for.
In the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruin.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
Blessed is the man who is ever fearful. Yet truly, whoever is hardened in mind will fall into evil.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ravenous bear; so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear.
16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days.
17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person shall hasten his steps unto the pit; none will support him.
A man who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved; but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Whoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at once.
19 He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; but he that followeth after vain things shall have poverty enough.
Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with need.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
A faithful man shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocent.
21 To have respect of persons is not good; for a man will transgress for a piece of bread.
Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth.
22 He that hath an evil eye hasteneth after riches, and knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
A man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall in the end find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Whoever corrects a man, afterward he shall find favor with him, more so than he who deceives him with a flattering tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith: 'It is no transgression', the same is the companion of a destroyer.
Whoever takes away anything from his father or mother, and who says, “This is not a sin,” is the associate of a murderer.
25 He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be abundantly gratified.
Whoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healed.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall escape.
Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied.
