Proverbs 28
1 The lawless, fleeth when no man pursueth, but, the righteous, like a lion, are confident.
The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
2 For the transgressions of a land, many are the rulers thereof, but, under an intelligent and discerning man, stability is prolonged.
When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a ruler who is wise and knowledgeable provides strength and continuity.
3 A poor man, who oppresseth the helpless, [is like] a rain beating down, leaving no food.
When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
4 They who forsake instruction, praise one who is lawless, while, they who keep instruction, are at strife with them.
People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
5 Wicked men, consider not justice, but, they who seek Yahweh, consider everything.
Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
6 Better a poor man walking in his integrity, than one who is crooked—turning two ways, though, he, be rich.
Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
7 He that keepeth instruction, is a son with discernment, but, a companion of squanderers, bringeth shame to his father.
If you keep the law, you're a wise son, but if you keep bad company you shame your father.
8 He that increaseth his substance by interest and profit, for one ready to favour the poor, doth gather it.
Anyone who gets rich through charging interest and profiteering is only storing it up for someone who is kind to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing instruction, even his prayer, is an abomination.
God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
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.
Those who lead good people astray into evil ways will fall into their own traps, but the innocent will receive a good reward.
11 Wise in his own eyes, is the man that is rich, but, a poor man of discernment, searcheth him out.
The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
12 In the exulting of the righteous, there is great glorying, but, when the lawless arise, a man must be sought for.
When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
13 He that covereth his transgressions, shall not prosper, but, he that confesseth and forsaketh, shall find compassion.
People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
14 How happy the man who is ever circumspect, whereas, he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into calamity.
Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.
15 A growling lion, and a ranging bear, is a lawless ruler, over a poor people.
A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 A leader, may lack intelligence, yet abound in oppressions, The hater of greed, shall lengthen out days.
An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
17 A man oppressed with a person’s blood, unto a pit, shall flee, let them not hold him back.
Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them.
18 He that walketh with integrity, shall be saved, but, he that is crooked, turning two ways, shall fall in one.
If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.
19 He that tilleth his ground, shall have plenty of bread, but, he that pursueth empty-heads, shall have plenty of poverty.
If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase fantasies you'll end up with nothing.
20 A man of fidelity, aboundeth in blessings, but, one hasting to be rich, shall not be held innocent.
If you're trustworthy, you'll be richly rewarded; but if you try to get rich quick, you won't go unpunished.
21 To take note of faces [in judgment], is not good, and, for a bit of bread, a man will transgress.
Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
22 A man, hasting to be rich, hath an evil eye, and knoweth not when want may overtake him.
Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
23 He that reproveth a man, shall, afterwards, find more, favour, than he that useth a flattering tongue.
Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
24 He that robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, companion, is he to one who wasteth.
A man who robs his father and mother, and says, “It's not a crime,” is one step away from becoming a murderer.
25 The ambitious in soul, stirreth up strife, but, he that trusteth in Yahweh, shall be enriched.
Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
26 He that trusteth his own heart, the same, is a dullard, but, he that walketh wisely, the same, shall be delivered.
People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways 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.
If you give to the poor, you won't be in need; but if you look the other way, you'll have many curses.
28 When lawless men rise, a common man will hide himself, but, when they perish, righteous men multiply.
When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.
