Proverbs 28
1 The lawless, fleeth when no man pursueth, but, the righteous, like a lion, are confident.
The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
2 For the transgressions of a land, many are the rulers thereof, but, under an intelligent and discerning man, stability is prolonged.
Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
3 A poor man, who oppresseth the helpless, [is like] a rain beating down, leaving no food.
A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
4 They who forsake instruction, praise one who is lawless, while, they who keep instruction, are at strife with them.
Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
5 Wicked men, consider not justice, but, they who seek Yahweh, consider everything.
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better a poor man walking in his integrity, than one who is crooked—turning two ways, though, he, be rich.
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 He that keepeth instruction, is a son with discernment, but, a companion of squanderers, bringeth shame to his father.
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
8 He that increaseth his substance by interest and profit, for one ready to favour the poor, doth gather it.
He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing instruction, even his prayer, is an abomination.
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 He that misguideth the upright into a hurtful way! into his own pit, he himself, shall fall, but, men of integrity, shall inherit good.
Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
11 Wise in his own eyes, is the man that is rich, but, a poor man of discernment, searcheth him out.
The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
12 In the exulting of the righteous, there is great glorying, but, when the lawless arise, a man must be sought for.
When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
13 He that covereth his transgressions, shall not prosper, but, he that confesseth and forsaketh, shall find compassion.
He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
14 How happy the man who is ever circumspect, whereas, he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into calamity.
Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
15 A growling lion, and a ranging bear, is a lawless ruler, over a poor people.
Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
16 A leader, may lack intelligence, yet abound in oppressions, The hater of greed, shall lengthen out days.
The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
17 A man oppressed with a person’s blood, unto a pit, shall flee, let them not hold him back.
One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
18 He that walketh with integrity, shall be saved, but, he that is crooked, turning two ways, shall fall in one.
He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
19 He that tilleth his ground, shall have plenty of bread, but, he that pursueth empty-heads, shall have plenty of poverty.
By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
20 A man of fidelity, aboundeth in blessings, but, one hasting to be rich, shall not be held innocent.
A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
21 To take note of faces [in judgment], is not good, and, for a bit of bread, a man will transgress.
It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
22 A man, hasting to be rich, hath an evil eye, and knoweth not when want may overtake him.
He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
23 He that reproveth a man, shall, afterwards, find more, favour, than he that useth a flattering tongue.
He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
24 He that robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, companion, is he to one who wasteth.
He who takes from his father or his mother what is theirs by right, and says, It is no sin; is the same as a taker of life.
25 The ambitious in soul, stirreth up strife, but, he that trusteth in Yahweh, shall be enriched.
He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
26 He that trusteth his own heart, the same, is a dullard, but, he that walketh wisely, the same, shall be delivered.
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
27 One who giveth to the poor, shall have no want, but, he that hideth his eyes, shall receive many a curse.
He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
28 When lawless men rise, a common man will hide himself, but, when they perish, righteous men multiply.
When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
