28 1 The wicked [a]flee when none pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 For the transgression of the land [b]there are many princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge a realm likewise endureth long.
3 A poor man, if he oppress the poor, is like a raging rain that leaveth no food.
4 They that forsake the Law, praise the wicked: but they that keep the Law, set themselves against them.
5 Wicked men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord, understand all things.
6 (A)Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that perverteth his ways, though he be rich.
7 He that keepeth the Law, is a child of understanding: but he that feedeth the gluttons, shameth his father.
8 He that increaseth his riches by usury and interest, gathereth [c]them for him that will be merciful unto the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be [d]abominable.
10 He that causeth the righteous to go astray by an evil way, shall fall into his own pit, and the upright shall inherit good things.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit: but the poor that hath understanding, can try [e]him.
12 (B)When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked come up, the man [f]is tried.
13 He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that confesseth, and forsaketh them, shall have mercy.
14 Blessed is the man that [g]feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into evil.
15 As a roaring lion, and an hungry bear, so is [h]a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 A prince destitute of understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness, shall prolong his days.
17 A man that doeth violence against the blood of a person, shall flee unto the grave, and they shall not [i]stay him.
18 He that walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is froward in his ways, shall once fall.
19 (C)He that tilleth his land, shall be satisfied with bread, but he that followeth the idle, shall be filled with poverty.
20 A faithful man shall abound in blessings, and (D)he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for that man will transgress for a piece of [j]bread.
22 A man with a wicked [k]eye hasteth to riches, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man, shall find more favor at the length, than he that flattereth with his tongue.
24 He that robbeth his father and mother, and saith, It is no transgression, is the companion of a man that destroyeth.
25 He that is of a proud heart, stirreth up strife: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be [l]fat.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh in wisdom, shall be delivered.
27 He that giveth unto the poor, shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes, shall have many curses.
28 (E)When the wicked rise up, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 28:1 Because their own conscience accuseth them.
- Proverbs 28:2 The state of the commonweal is oftentimes changed.
- Proverbs 28:8 For God will take away the wicked usurer, and give his goods to him that shall bestow them well.
- Proverbs 28:9 Because it is not of faith which is grounded of God’s word or Law, which the wicked contemn.
- Proverbs 28:11 And judge that he is not wise.
- Proverbs 28:12 He is known by his doings to be wicked.
- Proverbs 28:14 Which standeth in awe of God, and is afraid to offend him.
- Proverbs 28:15 For he can never be satisfied, but ever oppresseth and spoileth.
- Proverbs 28:17 None shall be able to deliver him.
- Proverbs 28:21 He will be abused for nothing.
- Proverbs 28:22 Meaning, him that is covetous.
- Proverbs 28:25 Shall have all things in abundance.