Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are 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 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by men of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a ruler who is wise and knowledgeable provides strength and continuity.
3 A needy man that oppresseth the poor is [like] 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 that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in [his] ways, though he be rich.
Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth 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 augmenteth his substance by usury and increase, gathereth it for him that hath pity on 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 is an abomination.
God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the perfect shall inherit good.
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 that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that 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 ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over a poor people.
A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person shall flee unto 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 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered: but he that 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 that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [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 be 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 of persons is not good: neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
22 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, and knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
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 that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways will be kept safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: 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 rise, 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.
