Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
2 For the transgression of a land many are its princes: but by a man of understanding and knowledge its state shall be 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 that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.
Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
7 He who keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth 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 by interest and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
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 the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
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.
Those who lead good people astray into evil ways will fall into their own traps, but the innocent will receive a good reward.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
12 When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but he who confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
14 Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man sustain him.
Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them.
18 He who walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase fantasies you'll end up with nothing.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be 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 have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
22 He that hasteneth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the 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; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
A man who robs his father and mother, and says, “It's not a crime,” is one step away from becoming a murderer.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways 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.
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 the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.
