Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are secure as a young lion.

The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding and knowledge established order shall long continue.

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A poor man that oppresseth the weak is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men understand not justice; but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

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 that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 A wise son observeth the teaching; but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father.

Whoever keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.

8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.

He that by usury and unjust gain increases his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

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

He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit; but the whole-hearted shall inherit good.

Whoever causes 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.

11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him through.

The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that has understanding searches him out.

12 When the righteous exult, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men must be sought for.

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.

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

15 As a roaring lion, and a ravenous bear; so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person shall hasten his steps unto the pit; none will support him.

A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved; but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

Whoever walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; but he that followeth after vain things shall have poverty enough.

He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons is not good; for a man will transgress for a piece of bread.

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22 He that hath an evil eye hasteneth after riches, and knoweth not that want shall come upon him.

He that hastens to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come on him.

23 He that rebuketh a man shall in the end find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

He that rebukes a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that 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 is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be abundantly gratified.

He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall escape.

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

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

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

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 increase.