Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked people run away when no one chases them, but righteous people are as bold as a 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.
Because of the transgression of a land, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, it will last a long time.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A poor person who oppresses other poor people is like a beating rain that leaves no food.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the law praise wicked people, but those who keep the law fight against them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek YHWH understand all things.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek Yahweh understand everything.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
It is better for a poor person who walks in his integrity, than for a rich person who is crooked in his ways.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
He who keeps the law is a son who has understanding, but one who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
The one who makes his fortune by charging too much interest gathers his wealth for another who will have pity on poor people.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
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.
Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a good inheritance.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich person may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor person who has understanding will find him out.
12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, people are sought out.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
The one who hides his sins will not prosper, but the one who confesses them and forsakes them will be shown mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
The one who always lives with reverence is blessed, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
The ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but the one who hates dishonesty 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.
If a man is guilty because he has shed someone's blood, he will be a fugitive until death and no one will help him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Whoever walks with integrity will be kept safe, but the one whose way is crooked will suddenly fall.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever follows worthless pursuits will 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 faithful man will have great blessings, but the one who gets rich quickly will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
It is not good to show partiality, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
A stingy man hurries after riches, but he does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Whoever disciplines someone, afterward will find more favor from him than from the one who flatters him 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.
Whoever robs his father and his mother and says, “That is no sin,” he is the companion of the one who destroys.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in YHWH shall be made fat.
A greedy man stirs up conflict, but the one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
One who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will keep away from danger.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
The one who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but whoever closes his eyes to them will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked arise, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
