Proverbs 28
1 THE wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The ungodly [man] flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident as a lion.
2 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.
By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and profitable rain,
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
Evil men will not understand judgment: but they that seek the Lord will understand everything.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
He that increases his wealth by usuries and [unjust] gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.
10 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.
He that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressor also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.
12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames [himself] shall be loved.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed is the man who religiously fears always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf [is he], who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety. Chasten thy son, and he shall love thee, and give honour to thy soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled [therein].
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
He that reproves a man's ways shall have more favour than he that flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
He that gives to the poor shall not be in want: but he that turns away his eye [from him] shall be in great distress.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
In the places of ungodly [men] the righteous mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.
