Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursueth; But the righteous is as bold as a lion.
The wicked people run away when no one chases them, but righteous people are as bold as a young lion.
2 Through the transgression of a land many are its rulers; But through men of prudence and understanding the prince shall live long.
Because of the transgression of a land, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, it will last a long time.
3 A poor man who oppresseth the needy Is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A poor person who oppresses other poor people is like a beating rain that leaves no food.
4 They who forsake the law praise the wicked; But they who keep the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the law praise wicked people, 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 men do not understand justice, but those who seek Yahweh understand everything.
6 Better is a poor man who walketh in uprightness, Than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
It is better for a poor person who walks in his integrity, than for a rich person who is crooked in his ways.
7 He that keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is the companion of prodigals bringeth shame on his father.
He who keeps the law is a son who has understanding, but one 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.
The one who makes his fortune by charging too much interest gathers his wealth for another who will have pity on poor people.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be an abomination.
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
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 misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a good inheritance.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor man, who hath understanding, will search him through.
The rich person may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor person who has understanding will find him out.
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 arise, people are sought out.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; But he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
The one who hides his sins will not prosper, but the one who confesses them and forsakes them will be shown mercy.
14 Happy the man who feareth always! But he who hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
The one who always lives with reverence is blessed, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion and a hungry bear, So is a wicked ruler over a needy people.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16 The prince who is weak in understanding is great in oppression; But he who hateth unjust gain shall prolong his days.
The ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but the one who hates dishonesty will prolong his days.
17 A man who is burdened with life-blood—Let him flee to the pit! let no man stay him!
If a man is guilty because he has shed someone's blood, he will be a fugitive until death and no one will help him.
18 He who walketh uprightly shall be safe; But he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Whoever walks with integrity will be kept safe, but the one whose way is crooked will suddenly fall.
19 He who tilleth his land shall have bread enough; And he that followeth after worthless persons shall have poverty enough.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever follows worthless pursuits will have plenty 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 will have great blessings, but the one who gets rich quickly will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect to persons is not good; Since for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
It is not good to show partiality, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
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, but he does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 He who rebuketh a man shall afterwards find favor More than he who flattereth with his tongue.
Whoever disciplines someone, afterward will find more favor from him than from the one who flatters him with his 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 and his mother and says, “That is no sin,” he is the companion of the one who destroys.
25 He who is of a proud heart stirreth up strife; But he that trusteth in the LORD shall be rich.
A greedy man stirs up conflict, but the one who trusts in Yahweh 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 his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will keep away from danger.
27 He who giveth to the poor shall not want; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
The one who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but whoever closes his eyes to them will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves; But, when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked arise, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
