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.
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the indigent is like a sweeping rain which bringeth no bread.
A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as observe the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the Torah praise the wicked; but those who keep the Torah contend with them.
5 Bad men understand not justice; but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is an intelligent son; but he that is a companion of gluttons bringeth dishonor on his father.
Whoever keeps the Torah is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames 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 excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9 When one turneth away his ear so as not to listen to the law, even his prayer becometh an abomination.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, even his prayer is an abomination.
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.
Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the indigent that hath understanding can search him through.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding 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 doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds 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 always fears; but one 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.
As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over 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 tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long 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 who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.
18 Whoso walketh in integrity will be saved; but he that walketh perversely on two paths, will fall on one.
Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19 He that tilleth his ground will have plenty of bread; but he that runneth after idle persons will have enough of poverty.
One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who 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 is rich with blessings; but one who is 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 hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.
23 He that reproveth a man after [my example] will obtain more grace than he that flattereth with the tongue.
One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who 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.
Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer.
25 He that hath an insatiable desire stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord will be abundantly gratified.
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one 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.
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept 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.
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men conceal themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
