Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursueth; But the righteous is as bold as a lion.
The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
2 Through the transgression of a land many are its rulers; But through men of prudence and understanding the prince shall live long.
When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a ruler who is wise and knowledgeable provides strength and continuity.
3 A poor man who oppresseth the needy Is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
4 They who forsake the law praise the wicked; But they who keep the law contend with them.
People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
5 Wicked men understand not equity; But they who seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
6 Better is a poor man who walketh in uprightness, Than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
7 He that keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is the companion of prodigals bringeth shame on his father.
If you keep the law, you're a wise son, but if you keep bad company you shame your father.
8 He that increaseth his substance by usurious gain Gathereth it for him who will pity the poor.
Anyone who gets rich through charging interest and profiteering is only storing it up for someone who is kind to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be an abomination.
God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
10 He that causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way Shall himself fall into his own pit; But the upright shall have good things in possession.
Those who lead good people astray into evil ways will fall into their own traps, but the innocent will receive a good reward.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor man, who hath understanding, will search him through.
The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glorying; But, when the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves.
When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; But he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
14 Happy the man who feareth always! But he who hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.
15 As a roaring lion and a hungry bear, So is a wicked ruler over a needy people.
A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 The prince who is weak in understanding is great in oppression; But he who hateth unjust gain shall prolong his days.
An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
17 A man who is burdened with life-blood—Let him flee to the pit! let no man stay him!
Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them.
18 He who walketh uprightly shall be safe; But he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.
19 He who tilleth his land shall have bread enough; And he that followeth after worthless persons shall have poverty enough.
If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase fantasies you'll end up with nothing.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not go unpunished.
If you're trustworthy, you'll be richly rewarded; but if you try to get rich quick, you won't go unpunished.
21 To have respect to persons is not good; Since for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
22 He who hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, And considereth not that poverty will come upon him.
Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
23 He who rebuketh a man shall afterwards find favor More than he who flattereth with his tongue.
Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
24 Whoso stealeth from his father or his mother, And saith, “It is no transgression,” The same is the companion of a robber.
A man who robs his father and mother, and says, “It's not a crime,” is one step away from becoming a murderer.
25 He who is of a proud heart stirreth up strife; But he that trusteth in the LORD shall be rich.
Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
26 He who trusteth in his own understanding is a fool; But he who walketh wisely shall be delivered.
People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways will be kept safe.
27 He who giveth to the poor shall not want; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
If you give to the poor, you won't be in need; but if you look the other way, you'll have many curses.
28 When the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves; But, when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.
