Proverbs 28
1 Every wicked fleeth when no man pursueth; but the righteous are like the confident young lion.
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 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.
A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the indigent is like a sweeping rain which bringeth no bread.
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 observe the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Bad men understand not justice; 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 walketh in his integrity, 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 keepeth the law is an intelligent son; but he that is a companion of gluttons bringeth dishonor on his father.
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He that increaseth his wealth by interest and usury will gather it for him that will be kind to the poor.
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
9 When one turneth away his ear so as not to listen to the law, even his prayer becometh an abomination.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
10 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.
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 eyes; but the indigent that hath understanding can search him through.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous exult, there is great splendor; but when the wicked rise up, a man hath to be sought for.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He that concealeth his transgressions will not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them will obtain mercy.
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14 Happy is the man that always dreadeth [to do evil]; but he that hardeneth his heart will fall into unhappiness.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion, and a greedy bear, so is a wicked ruler over an indigent people.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 The prince that is void of understanding is also a great oppressor; [but] he that hateth unjust gain will 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 oppressed by the load of having shed human blood will flee even to the pit: let no man hold him.
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
18 Whoso walketh in integrity will be saved; but he that walketh perversely on two paths, will fall on one.
He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He that tilleth his ground will have plenty of bread; but he that runneth after idle persons will have enough of poverty.
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 will abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect to persons is not good; because even for a piece of bread will a man transgress.
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 He that is eager for wealth is a man of an evil eye, and he knoweth not that want will come upon him.
A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
23 He that reproveth a man after [my example] will obtain more grace than he that flattereth with the tongue.
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, it is no transgression, —the same is a 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 hath an insatiable desire stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord will be abundantly gratified.
A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He that trusteth in his own sense is a fool; but whoso walketh in wisdom, will ever escape.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor will not have any want; but he that hideth his eyes will have an abundance of curses.
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 conceal themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
