Proverbs, 28

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

1. The wicked man runs away even when no one is after him but the virtuous man feels as safe as a lion.

2. For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.

2. A country, for its sins, has many rulers; but with one wise ruler there is stability.

3. A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

3. The evildoer oppressing the poor is like destructive floods which leave no food.

4. They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

4. Those who foresake the Law applaud evil; those faithful to the Law fight evil.

5. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things].

5. The wicked have no understanding of justice but those who seek Yahweh understand all.

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

6. Better the poor but honest life than devious living, with riches.

7. Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father.

7. A clever man keeps the Law, while he who associates with scoundrels brings shame to his father.

8. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

8. He who adds to his wealth by usury and greed amasses it for another who has compassion on the poor.

9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.

9. If anyone turns a deaf ear to the Law, even his prayer is contaminated by sin.

10. Whoso 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.

10. He who leads the virtuous astray will fall into his own trap. The upright will inherit happiness.

11. The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

11. The rich man thinks himself wise while the poor but sensible man knows how to show him up.

12. When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

12. When the virtuous triumph, there is great feasting, but when the wicked dominate, everybody hides.

13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

13. Whoever conceals his faults will not prosper, but he who confesses and renounces them will be shown mercy.

14. Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

14. Happy the one who always lives in the fear of God; he who hardens his heart will fall on disaster.

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

15. A roaring lion, a hungry bear, such is the bad leader of a poor people.

16. The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.

16. The ruler lacking intelligence multiplies oppression; but he who abhors greed will endure.

17. A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

17. The man wanted for murder will be on the run until death. Let him go!

18. Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but [he that is] perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once.

18. He who goes his way honestly will be saved, he who vacillates between two ways will fall in one of them.

19. He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.

19. He who tends his land will have an abundance of bread, while he who chases illusions will have his fill of misery.

20. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

20. The trustworthy man will be heaped with blessings, but he who is preoccupied with getting rich will not be guiltless.

21. To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.

21. It is not good to show partiality but a man will do wrong for a mouthful of bread.

22. He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

22. The greedy-eyed man is on the lookout for wealth not knowing that misfortune will befall him.

23. He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

23. He who reproves another will eventually enjoy more favor than the flatterer.

24. Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer.

24. He who steals from his father and mother saying, "It's not a sin," is just like a criminal.

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

25. The greedy man brings about trouble; but he who trusts in Yahweh will be filled with good things.

26. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

26. He who trusts in himself is just like a fool; while he who walks wisely will be saved.

27. He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

27. He who gives to the poor will not be in need; but he who turns a blind eye to them will have his fill of disgrace.

28. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

28. When the wicked triumph, everybody hides; but when they perish, the virtuous multiply.