Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
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.
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A needy man that oppresseth the poor is [like] 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 that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the Torah praise the wicked; but those who keep the Torah contend with them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that 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 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father.
Whoever keeps the Torah is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He that augmenteth his substance by usury and increase, gathereth it for him that hath pity on 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 is an abomination.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, even his prayer is an abomination.
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.
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 that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over a poor people.
As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A tyrannical ruler lacks judgement. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.
A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered: but he that 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 that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [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 be unpunished.
A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, and knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favour than one who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer.
25 He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: 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 rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
