Proverbs 28 (Brenton)

1The ungodly man flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident as a lion.The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

3A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and unprofitable rain,A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

5Evil men will not understand judgment: but they that seek the Lord will understand everything.Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

6A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

7A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours his father.A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

8He that increases his wealth by usuries and unjust gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

9He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.

10He that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressors also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it.He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

12By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught.When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames himself shall be loved.He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

14Blessed is the man who religiously fears always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs.Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf is he, who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time.A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

17He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety. Chasten thy son, and he shall love thee, and give honour to thy soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation.A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.

18He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled therein.He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty.The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished.A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

21He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him.A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.

23He that reproves a man's ways shall have more favour than he that flatters with the tongue.He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

24He that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man.He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.

25An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully.A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27He that gives to the poor shall not be in want: but he that turns away his eye from him shall be in great distress.Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

28In the places of ungodly men the righteous mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.

Proverbs 28

The Boldness of the Righteous