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] its princes: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things].
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
6 Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [is] rich.
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7 He who keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father.
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
10 Whoever causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession.
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11 The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor man that hath understanding searcheth him out.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
12 When righteous [men] rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
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 who confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14 Happy [is] the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.
A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
18 He who walketh uprightly shall be saved: but [he that is] perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once.
He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever 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 innocent.
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons [is] not good: for, 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 that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue.
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 He that robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer.
He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27 He that giveth to the poor shall not want: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive 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 themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
