Proverbs 28
1 THE wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Every wicked fleeth when no man pursueth; but the righteous are like the confident young 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.
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 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A poor man that oppresseth the indigent is like a sweeping rain which bringeth no bread.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as observe the law contend with them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
Bad men understand not justice; but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
Whoso keepeth the law is an intelligent son; but he that is a companion of gluttons bringeth dishonor on 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 increaseth his wealth by interest and usury will gather it for him that will be kind to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
When one turneth away his ear so as not to listen to the law, even his prayer becometh an abomination.
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.
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 man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the indigent that hath understanding can search him through.
12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
When the righteous exult, there is great splendor; but when the wicked rise up, a man hath to be sought for.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
He that concealeth his transgressions will not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them will obtain mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Happy is the man that always dreadeth [to do evil]; but he that hardeneth his heart will fall into unhappiness.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
As a roaring lion, and a greedy bear, so is a wicked ruler over an indigent people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
The prince that is void of understanding is also a great oppressor; [but] he that hateth unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
A man oppressed by the load of having shed human blood will flee even to the pit: let no man hold him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Whoso walketh in integrity will be saved; but he that walketh perversely on two paths, will fall on one.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
He that tilleth his ground will have plenty of bread; but he that runneth after idle persons will have enough of poverty.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A faithful man will abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
To have respect to persons is not good; because even for a piece of bread will a man transgress.
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
He that is eager for wealth is a man of an evil eye, and he knoweth not that want will come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
He that reproveth a man after [my example] will obtain more grace than he that flattereth 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.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, it is no transgression, —the same is a companion of a destroyer.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
He that hath an insatiable desire stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord will be abundantly gratified.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that trusteth in his own sense is a fool; but whoso walketh in wisdom, will ever escape.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
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 rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked rise, men conceal themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
