Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
4 Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked; but those who keep the Law contend with them.
Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
5 Evil men do not understand justice; but those who seek YHWH understand it fully.
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 Whoever keeps the Law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination.
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.
Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
13 He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent; but the one who hardens his heart will fall into evil.
Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
16 A prince who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will prolong his days.
The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.
One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
20 A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
21 To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
22 A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.
He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.
He who takes from his father or his mother what is theirs by right, and says, It is no sin; is the same as a taker of life.
25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in YHWH will prosper.
He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
