Proverbs 28 | King James Version

King James Version

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are 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. 3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. 4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that 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. 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be 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. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. 12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. 15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall 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. 18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall 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. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To have respect of persons is not good: for 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. 23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth 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. 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 that trusteth 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 hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

New International Reader’s Version

1 Sinners run away even when no one is chasing them. But those who do what is right are as bold as lions. 2 A country has many rulers when its people don’t obey. But an understanding ruler knows how to keep order. 3 A ruler who treats poor people badly is like a pounding rain that leaves no crops. 4 Those who turn away from instruction praise sinners. But those who learn from it oppose them. 5 Sinful people don’t understand what is right. But those who worship the LORD understand it completely. 6 It is better to be poor and live without blame than to be rich and follow a crooked path. 7 A child who understands what is right learns from instruction. But a child who likes to eat too much brings shame on his father. 8 Someone might get rich by taking interest or profit from poor people. But that person only piles up wealth for someone who will be kind to poor people. 9 If you don’t pay attention to my instruction, even your prayers are hated. 10 Those who lead honest people down an evil path will fall into their own trap. But those who are without blame will receive good things. 11 Rich people may think they are wise. But a poor person with understanding knows that rich people are fooling themselves. 12 When godly people win, everyone is very happy. But when sinners take charge, everyone hides. 13 Anyone who hides their sins doesn’t succeed. But anyone who admits their sins and gives them up finds mercy. 14 Blessed is the one who always trembles in front of God. But anyone who makes their heart stubborn will get into trouble. 15 An evil person who rules over helpless people is like a roaring lion or an angry bear. 16 A ruler who is mean to his people takes money from them by force. But one who hates money gained in the wrong way will rule a long time. 17 Anyone troubled by the guilt of murder will seek to escape their guilt by death. No one should keep them from it. 18 Anyone who lives without blame is kept safe. But anyone whose path is crooked will fall into the pit. 19 Those who work their land will have plenty of food. But those who chase dreams will be very poor. 20 A faithful person will be richly blessed. But anyone who wants to get rich will be punished. 21 Favouring one person over another is not good. But a person will do wrong for a piece of bread. 22 Those who won’t share what they have want to get rich. They don’t know they are going to be poor. 23 It is better to warn a person than to pretend to praise them. In the end that person will be more pleased with you. 24 Anyone who steals from their parents and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is just like someone who destroys. 25 People who always want more stir up conflict. But those who trust in the LORD will succeed. 26 Those who trust in themselves are foolish. But those who live wisely are kept safe. 27 Those who give to poor people will have all they need. But those who close their eyes to the poor will receive many curses. 28 When those who are evil take charge, other people hide. But when those who are evil die, godly people grow stronger.