Proverbs 28

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

A wicked man flees when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

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

For the transgression of a land many are the rulers of it. But by men of understanding and knowledge the state shall be prolonged.

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

A needy man who oppresses the poor is a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

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

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them.

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

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek Jehovah understand all things.

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

Better is the poor man who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

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

He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.

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

He who augments his substance by interest and increase, gathers it for him who has pity on the poor.

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

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

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 who causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit. But the perfect shall inherit good.

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

The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but a poor man who has understanding searches him out.

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 who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy.

14 Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

Happy is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.

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

A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.

The ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.

A man who is laden with the blood of any person shall flee to the pit. Let no man stay him.

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

He who walks uprightly shall be delivered, but he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

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

He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who follows after vanity shall have poverty enough.

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

A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

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

To have respect of persons is not good, nor that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

22 A stingy man hurries after riches, and does not know that poverty waits for him.

He who has an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not know that want shall come upon him.

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

He who rebukes a man shall afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.

24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer.

He who robs his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer.

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

He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

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

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

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

He who gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who hides his eyes shall have many a curse.

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

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.