Proverbs 28

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW JERUSALEM
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.	1 The wicked flees when no one is pursuing, the upright is 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.	2 A country in revolt throws up many leaders: with one person wise and experienced, you have stability.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.	3 The wicked oppresses the weak: here is a devastating rain -- and farewell, bread!
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.	4 Those who forsake the law sing the praises of the wicked, those who observe the law are angered bythem.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.	5 The wicked do not know what justice means, those who seek Yahweh understand everything.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.	6 Better someone poor living an honest life than someone of devious ways however rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.	7 An intel igent child is one who keeps the Law; an associate of profligates brings shame on his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.	8 Whoever increases wealth by usury and interest amasses it for someone else who will bestow it on thepoor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.	9 Whoever refuses to listen to the Law, such a one's very prayer is 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.	10 Whoever seduces the honest to evil ways wil fal into his own pit. The blameless are the heirs tohappiness.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.	11 The rich may think himself wise, but the intelligent poor wil unmask him.
12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.	12 When the upright triumph, there is great exultation: when the wicked are in the ascendant, peopletake cover.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.	13 No one who conceals his sins will prosper, whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.	14 Blessed the person who is never without fear, whoever hardens his heart will fal into distress.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.	15 Like a roaring lion or a springing bear is a wicked ruler of a powerless people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.	16 An unenlightened ruler is rich in rapacity, one who hates greed wil lengthen his days.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.	17 A man guilty of murder wil flee till he reaches his tomb: let no one halt him!
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.	18 Whoever lives an honest life wil be safe, whoever wavers between two ways falls down in one ofthem.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.	19 Whoever works his land shall have bread and to spare, but no one who chases fantasies has anysense.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.	20 A trustworthy person wil be overwhelmed with blessings, but no one who tries to get rich quickly wilgo unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.	21 It is not good to show partiality, but people will do wrong for a mouthful of bread.
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.	22 The person of greedy eye chases after wealth, not knowing that want wil be the result.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.	23 Anyone who reproves another wil enjoy more favour in the end than the flatterer.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.	24 Whoever robs father and mother saying, 'Nothing wrong in that!' is comrade for a brigand.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.	25 The covetous provokes disputes, whoever trusts in Yahweh wil prosper.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.	26 Whoever trusts his own wit is a fool, anyone whose ways are wise wil be safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.	27 No one who gives to the poor wil ever go short, but whoever closes his eyes will have curses inplenty.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.	28 When the wicked are in the ascendant, people take cover, but when they perish, the upright multiply.