Proverbs 28
1 Every wicked fleeth when no man pursueth; but the righteous are like the confident young lion.
The ungodly [man] flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident 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.
By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the indigent is like a sweeping rain which bringeth no bread.
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 observe 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 Bad men understand not justice; but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
Evil men will not understand judgement: but they that seek the Lord will understand everything.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, 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 an intelligent son; but he that is a companion of gluttons bringeth dishonor on his father.
A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours 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 that increases his wealth by usuries and [unjust] gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.
9 When one turneth away his ear so as not to listen to the law, even his prayer becometh an abomination.
He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.
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 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 eyes; but the indigent that hath understanding can search him through.
A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.
12 When the righteous exult, there is great splendor; but when the wicked rise up, a man hath to be sought for.
By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.
13 He that concealeth his transgressions will not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them will obtain mercy.
He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames [himself] shall be loved.
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 religiously fears always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.
15 As a roaring lion, and a greedy bear, so is a wicked ruler over an indigent people.
A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf [is he], who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.
16 The prince that is void of understanding is also a great oppressor; [but] he that hateth unjust gain will 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 oppressed by the load of having shed human blood will flee even to the pit: let no man hold him.
He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety. Chasten your son, and he shall love you, and give honour to your soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.
18 Whoso walketh in integrity will be saved; but he that walketh perversely on two paths, will fall on one.
He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled [therein].
19 He that tilleth his ground will have plenty of bread; but he that runneth after idle persons will have enough of poverty.
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 will abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.
21 To have respect to persons is not good; because even for a piece of bread will a man 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 is eager for wealth is a man of an evil eye, and he knoweth not that want will 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 reproveth a man after [my example] will obtain more grace 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 a 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 hath an insatiable desire stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord will be abundantly gratified.
An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.
26 He that trusteth in his own sense is a fool; but whoso walketh in wisdom, will ever escape.
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 will not have any want; but he that hideth his eyes will have an abundance of curses.
He that gives to the poor shall not be in lack: but he that turns away his eye [from him] shall be in great distress.
28 When the wicked rise, men conceal 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.
