Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

The ungodly [man] flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident as a lion.

2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.

By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.

3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.

A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and profitable rain,

4 Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked; but those who keep the Law contend with them.

so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.

5 Evil men do not understand justice; but those who seek Jehovah understand it fully.

Evil men will not understand judgment: but they that seek the Lord will understand everything.

6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.

A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.

7 Whoever keeps the Law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.

A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours his father.

8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.

He that increases his wealth by usuries and [unjust] gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.

9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination.

He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.

10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.

He that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressor also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it.

11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.

A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.

13 He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames [himself] shall be loved.

14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent; but the one who hardens his heart will fall into evil.

Blessed is the man who religiously fears always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.

15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.

A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf [is he], who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.

16 A prince who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will prolong his days.

A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time.

17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.

He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety. Chasten thy son, and he shall love thee, and give honour to thy soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.

18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.

He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled [therein].

19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty.

20 A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.

22 A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.

An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him.

23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.

He that reproves a man's ways shall have more favour than he that flatters with the tongue.

24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.

He that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man.

25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Jehovah will prosper.

An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.

26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.

27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.

He that gives to the poor shall not be in want: but he that turns away his eye [from him] shall be in great distress.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.

In the places of ungodly [men] the righteous mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.