Proverbs 28

Contrasting proverbs address the boldness of the righteous versus the flight of the wicked, the ruler who oppresses the poor, and the blessings that come to the faithful versus the haste that leads to poverty. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

v	King James Version	Modern English
1	The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.	The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as 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 the transgression of a land, its princes are many; but by a man of understanding and knowledge, its state will be prolonged.
3	A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.	A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
4	They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.	Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.
5	Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.	Evil men do not understand judgment; but those who seek the LORD understand all things.
6	Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.	Better is the poor who walks in His uprightness than He who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7	Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.	Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of riotous men shames his father.
8	He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.	He who by usury and unjust gain increases his substance will gather it for Him who will pity the poor.
9	He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.	He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even His prayer will be an abomination.
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 causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way will himself fall into His own pit; but the upright will have good things in possession.
11	The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.	The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12	When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.	When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13	He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.	He who covers his sins will not prosper; but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
14	Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.	Happy is the man who fears always; but he who hardens his heart will fall into mischief.
15	As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.	Like a roaring lion and a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16	The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.	The prince who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor; but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
17	A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.	A man who does violence to the blood of any person will flee to the pit; let no man hold him back.
18	Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.	Whoever walks uprightly will be saved; but he who is perverse in his ways will fall at once.
19	He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.	He who tills his land will have plenty of bread; but he who follows worthless persons will have poverty enough.
20	A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.	A faithful man will abound with blessings; but he who hastens to be rich will not be innocent.
21	To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.	To show partiality is not good, for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22	He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.	He who hastens to be rich has an evil eye and does not consider that poverty will come on him.
23	He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.	He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
24	Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.	Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, "It is no transgression," is the companion of a destroyer.
25	He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.	He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife; but he who puts his trust in the LORD will be made rich.
26	He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.	He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
27	He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.	He who gives to the poor will not lack; but he who hides his eyes will have many a curse.
28	When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.	When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.