Proverbs 28

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

1Evil people run away even when no one is chasing them, but those who do right are as bold as lions.

2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understandingandknowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

2When a country is rebellious, it has many short-lived rulers, but a leader with understanding and knowledge maintains order for a long time.

3A needy man that oppresseth the poor Islikea sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

3A poor person who oppresses other poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops.

4They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.

4People who ignore the law praise the wicked, but those who obey the law oppose them.

5Evil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.

5Evil people do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

6Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse inhisways, though he be rich.

6It is better to be poor and honest than to be rich and crooked.

7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.

7A son who obeys the law is wise, but one who hangs out with gluttons brings shame to his father.

8He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.

8If you get rich by charging high interest and taking advantage of others, your wealth will eventually go to someone who is kind to the poor.

9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

9If someone turns a deaf ear to the law, even their prayers are disgusting to God.

10Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.

10Those who lead good people into an evil trap will fall into their own pit, but people with integrity will receive a good reward.

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

11Rich people may think they are very wise, but a poor person with discernment sees right through them.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

12When godly people succeed, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked take power, people go into hiding.

13He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

13Whoever hides their sins will not succeed, but whoever confesses and stops doing them will receive mercy.

14Happy is the man that feareth alway; But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

14Blessed is the person who is always cautious, but whoever hardens their heart will fall into trouble.

15Asa roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So isa wicked ruler over a poor people.

15A wicked ruler over helpless people is as dangerous as a roaring lion or a charging bear.

16The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; Buthe that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

16A ruler who lacks judgment will be a cruel tyrant, but one who hates dishonest money will live a long life.

17A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.

17A person burdened by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive until death; no one should try to help them.

18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

18Whoever lives with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever follows a crooked path will suddenly fall.

19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

19The person who works his land will have plenty of food, but the one who chases fantasies will end up in deep poverty.

20A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

20A faithful person will be richly blessed, but someone in a hurry to get rich will not escape punishment.

21To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

21Showing favoritism is never good, yet some will do wrong for something as small as a piece of bread.

22He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.

22A greedy person is eager to get rich and doesn't realize that poverty is waiting for them.

23He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor Than he that flattereth with the tongue.

23In the end, a person who gives an honest correction will be appreciated more than someone who just gives empty flattery.

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

24Anyone who robs their father or mother and says, 'It’s not a sin,' is no better than a common criminal.

25He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

25A greedy person stirs up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.

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

26Those who trust only in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom will be kept safe.

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

27Whoever gives to the poor will never lack anything, but those who ignore the needy will receive many curses.

28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.

28When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the godly flourish.