Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a 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.
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
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 who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
7 He who keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father.
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames 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 increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
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.
Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12 When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but he who confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A tyrannical ruler lacks judgement. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man sustain him.
A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.
18 He who walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong 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.
A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favour than one who flatters with the tongue.
24 He that 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’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 He that giveth to the poor shall not want: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
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 thrive.
