Proverbs 28

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

The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are its princes: but by a man of understanding and knowledge its state shall be 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 that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend 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 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.

Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.

7 He who keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth 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 by interest and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

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 the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.

10 Whoever causeth 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.

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 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding 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 When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

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 sins shall not prosper: but he who confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

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

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

Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.

16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his 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 that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man sustain him.

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

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 land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

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 faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be 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 have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that 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 He that hasteneth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.

23 He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the 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; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

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

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 in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.

27 He that giveth to the poor shall not want: but he that hideth his eyes shall have 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 the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.