Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

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

2 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

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.

3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

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

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

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

5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

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

6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

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

7 A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

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

8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

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

9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.

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

10 He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

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.

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

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

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

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

13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

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

14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

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

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

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

16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

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

17 A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.

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

18 He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

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

19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

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

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

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

21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

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

22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.

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

23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

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

24 He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.

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

25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

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

26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

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

27 Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

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

28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.

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