Proverbs

Offers wisdom and advice on how to live a good and meaningful life.

Chapter 28

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

*Bad people run away when nobody is chasing them, but good people are brave like a lion.

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.

*For a land's mistake, lots of leaders are involved; but a smart person will make the place last longer.

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

*A rich person hurting poor people is like heavy rain that wipes out all the food.

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

*People who abandon the law praise evil doers, but those who follow the law argue with them.

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

*Evil people don't understand justice, but those who look for God understand everything.

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

*It's better for a poor person who lives honestly than a rich person who behaves badly, even if the rich person has lots of money.

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

*Whoever follows the rules is smart like a good child; but hanging out with wild people brings shame to their parents.

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

*He who gains wealth through unfair means will collect it for those who show mercy to the needy.

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

*If someone refuses to listen to the law, their prayer will be considered disgusting.

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.

*Whoever leads the righteous down a bad path will fall into their own trap, but those who are honest and good will have nice things.

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

*The wealthy person thinks they are smart, but the poor person who understands things looks for the truth.

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

*When good people are happy, there's much honor. But when bad people succeed, a person hides.

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

*Covering up your wrongdoings won't lead to success, but admitting and leaving them behind will result in mercy.

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

*It's good to always fear, or respect, the important things. But if someone doesn't and makes their heart tough, they will get into trouble.

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

*Like a loud-roaring lion and a wandering bear, a bad leader acts cruelly towards those who have little.

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

*A prince who desires wisdom is actually a big oppressor, but one who hates greed will live longer.

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

*A person who hurts another person will be punished severely; nobody should stop or help them.

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

*Walking rightly leads to safety, but taking wrong paths causes immediate harm.

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

*If you work your land, you'll have lots of food. But if you chase after people with no purpose, you'll have financial struggles.

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

*A trustworthy person will have many blessings. But someone who quickly tries to become wealthy won't be innocent.

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

*Treating people differently based on their status isn't good because someone might break rules for just a piece of bread.

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

*Rushing to become wealthy leads to bad desires and forgets that poverty may soon arrive.

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

*Praising someone later is better than flattering them with words.

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

*Whoever steals from their father or mother and says it's not wrong is like someone who hangs out with a person causing destruction.

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

*A proud person causes trouble, but someone who trusts in the Lord will be blessed.

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

*Trusting in yourself is foolish, but wise people who walk carefully will be saved.

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

*Giving to the poor ensures you won't be lacking, but hiding from them will bring many curses.

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

*When bad people gain power, people hide. But when the bad people fail, good people grow in number.

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