Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursueth; But the righteous is as bold as a lion.
The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 Through the transgression of a land many are its rulers; But through men of prudence and understanding the prince shall live long.
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A poor man who oppresseth the needy Is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4 They who forsake the law praise the wicked; But they who keep the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked; but those who keep the Law contend with them.
5 Wicked men understand not equity; But they who seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil men do not understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better is a poor man who walketh in uprightness, Than he who 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 He that keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is the companion of prodigals bringeth shame on his father.
Whoever keeps the Law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He that increaseth his substance by usurious gain Gathereth it for him who will pity the poor.
He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be an abomination.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination.
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.
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 conceit; But the poor man, who hath understanding, will 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 rejoice, there is great glorying; But, when the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; But he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Happy the man who feareth always! But he who hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent; but the one who hardens his heart will fall into evil.
15 As a roaring lion and a hungry bear, So is a wicked ruler over a needy people.
As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 The prince who is weak in understanding is great in oppression; But he who hateth unjust gain shall prolong his days.
A prince who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will prolong his days.
17 A man who is burdened with life-blood—Let him flee to the pit! let no man stay him!
A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.
18 He who walketh uprightly shall be safe; But he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19 He who tilleth his land shall have bread enough; And he that followeth after worthless persons shall have poverty enough.
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 shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall 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; Since for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 He who hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, And considereth not that poverty will come upon him.
A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
23 He who rebuketh a man shall afterwards find favor More than he who flattereth with his tongue.
One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoso stealeth from his father or his mother, And saith, “It is no transgression,” The same is the companion of a robber.
Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.
25 He who is of a proud heart stirreth up strife; But he that trusteth in the LORD shall be rich.
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He who trusteth in his own understanding is a fool; But he who walketh wisely shall be delivered.
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 He who giveth to the poor shall not want; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves; But, when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
