Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold 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.
A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which left no food.
A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving 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 the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
6 Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7 Whoso keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He that by interest and unjust gain increases his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
10 Whoso causes 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 who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that has understanding searches him out.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
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 rise, men hide themselves.
13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14 Happy is the man that fears always: but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls 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 a helpless people.
16 The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.
A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
17 A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
18 Whoso walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager 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 show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 He that hastes to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come upon him.
A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
23 He that rebukes a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flatters with the tongue.
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 Whoso robs his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27 He that gives unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
