Add parallel Print Page Options

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

By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding [and] of knowledge, [its] stability is prolonged.

A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

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

Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.

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

Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of profligates bringeth shame to his father.

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.

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

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

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

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

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

14 Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.

15 A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.

17 A man laden with the blood of [any] person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in [his] double ways, shall fall in one [of them].

19 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless shall have poverty enough.

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

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

22 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.

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

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

25 He that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon Jehovah shall be made fat.

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

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

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

28 The wicked flee(A) though no one pursues,(B)
    but the righteous are as bold as a lion.(C)

When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
    but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

A ruler[a] who oppresses the poor
    is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
    but those who heed it resist them.

Evildoers do not understand what is right,
    but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

Better the poor whose walk is blameless
    than the rich whose ways are perverse.(D)

A discerning son heeds instruction,
    but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.(E)

Whoever increases wealth by taking interest(F) or profit from the poor
    amasses it for another,(G) who will be kind to the poor.(H)

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
    even their prayers are detestable.(I)

10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path
    will fall into their own trap,(J)
    but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;
    one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;(K)
    but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.(L)

13 Whoever conceals their sins(M) does not prosper,
    but the one who confesses(N) and renounces them finds mercy.(O)

14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
    but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

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

16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
    but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
    will seek refuge(P) in the grave;
    let no one hold them back.

18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,(Q)
    but the one whose ways are perverse will fall(R) into the pit.[b]

19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.(S)

20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,
    but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.(T)

21 To show partiality(U) is not good(V)
    yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.(W)

22 The stingy are eager to get rich
    and are unaware that poverty awaits them.(X)

23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
    rather than one who has a flattering tongue.(Y)

24 Whoever robs their father or mother(Z)
    and says, “It’s not wrong,”
    is partner to one who destroys.(AA)

25 The greedy stir up conflict,(AB)
    but those who trust in the Lord(AC) will prosper.

26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,(AD)
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.(AE)

27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,(AF)
    but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.(AG)

28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;(AH)
    but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:3 Or A poor person
  2. Proverbs 28:18 Syriac (see Septuagint); Hebrew into one