Proverbs 28

1The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.

1The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer. And the righteous as a young lion is confident.

2Because 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.

2By the transgression of a land many <FI>are<Fi> its heads. And by an intelligent man, Who knoweth right--it is prolonged.

3A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.

3A man--poor and oppressing the weak, <FI>Is<Fi> a sweeping rain, and there is no bread.

4Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.

4Those forsaking the law praise the wicked, Those keeping the law plead against them.

5Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.

5Evil men understand not judgment, And those seeking Jehovah understand all.

6Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.

6Better <FI>is<Fi> the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse of ways who is rich.

7He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.

7Whoso is keeping the law is an intelligent son, And a friend of gluttons, Doth cause his father to blush.

8He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.

8Whoso is multiplying his wealth by biting and usury, For one favouring the poor doth gather it.

9As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.

9Whoso is turning his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer <FI>is<Fi> an abomination.

10Anyone 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.

10Whoso is causing the upright to err in an evil way, Into his own pit he doth fall, And the perfect do inherit good.

11The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, And the intelligent poor searcheth him.

12When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.

12In the exulting of the righteous the glory <FI>is<Fi> abundant, And in the rising of the wicked man is apprehensive.

13He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.

13Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not, And he who is confessing and forsaking hath mercy.

14Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.

14O the happiness of a man fearing continually, And whoso is hardening his heart falleth into evil.

15Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.

15A growling lion, and a ranging bear, <FI>Is<Fi> the wicked ruler over a poor people.

16The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.

16A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days.

17One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.

17A man oppressed with the blood of a soul, Unto the pit fleeth, none taketh hold on him.

18He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.

18Whoso is walking uprightly is saved, And the perverted of ways falleth at once.

19By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.

19Whoso is tilling his ground is satisfied <FI>with<Fi> bread, And whoso is pursuing vanity, Is filled <FI>with<Fi> poverty.

20A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.

20A stedfast man hath multiplied blessings, And whoso is hasting to be rich is not acquitted.

21It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.

21To discern faces is not good, And for a piece of bread doth a man transgress.

22He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.

22Troubled for wealth <FI>is<Fi> the man <FI>with<Fi> an evil eye, And he knoweth not that want doth meet him.

23He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.

23Whoso is reproving a man afterwards findeth grace, More than a flatterer with the tongue.

24He 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.

24Whoso is robbing his father, or his mother, And is saying, `It is not transgression,' A companion he is to a destroyer.

25He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.

25Whoso is proud in soul stirreth up contention, And whoso is trusting on Jehovah is made fat.

26He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.

26Whoso is trusting in his heart is a fool, And whoso is walking in wisdom is delivered.

27He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.

27Whoso is giving to the poor hath no lack, And whoso is hiding his eyes multiplied curses.

28When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.

28In the rising of the wicked a man is hidden, And in their destruction the righteous multiply!