Proverbs 28

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

The wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth: but the just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread.

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

For the sins of the land many are the princes thereof: and for the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the prince shall be prolonged.

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

A poor man that oppresseth the poor, is like a violent shower, which bringeth a famine.

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

They that forsake the law, praise the wicked man: they that keep it, are incensed against him.

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

Evil men think not on judgment: but they that seek after the Lord, take notice of 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 walking in his simplicity, than the rich in crooked ways.

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

He that keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that feedeth gluttons, shameth his father.

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

He that heapeth together riches by usury and loan, gathereth them for him that will be bountiful to the poor.

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

He that turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his prayer shall be as 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 that deceiveth the just in a wicked way, shall fall in his own destruction: and the upright shall possess his goods.

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

The rich man seemeth to himself wise: but the poor man that is prudent shall search him out.

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

In the joy of the just there is great glory: when the wicked reign, men are ruined.

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

He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy.

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

Blessed is the man that is always fearful: but he that is hardened in mind, shall fall into evil.

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

As a roaring lion, and a hungry bear, so is a wicked prince over the poor people.

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

A prince void of prudence shall oppress many by calumny: but he that hateth 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 that doth violence to the blood of a person, if he flee even to the pit, no man will stay him.

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

He that walketh uprightly, shall be saved: he that 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 that tilleth his ground, shall be filled with bread: but he that followeth idleness shall be filled with poverty.

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

A faithful man shall be much praised: but he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent.

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

He that hath respect to a person in judgment, doth not well: such a man even for a morsel of bread forsaketh the truth.

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

A man, that maketh haste to be rich, and envieth others, is ignorant that poverty shall come upon him.

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

He that rebuketh a man, shall afterward find favour with him, more than he that by a flattering tongue deceiveth him.

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

He that stealeth any thing from his father, or from his mother: and saith, This is no sin, is the partner of a murderer.

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

He that boasteth, and puffeth up himself, stirreth up quarrels: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be healed.

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

He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh wisely, he shall be saved.

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

He that giveth to the poor, shall not want: he that despiseth his entreaty, shall suffer indigence.

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

When the wicked rise up, men shall hide themselves: when they perish, the lust shall be multiplied.