Proverbs 28

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
1 The wicked man flees although no one pursues him; but the just man, like a lion, feels sure of himself.	1 The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread.
2 If a land is rebellious, its princes will be many; but with a prudent man it knows security.	2 Because of the sins of the land, it has many princes. And because of the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the leader shall be prolonged.
3 A rich man who oppresses the poor is like a devastating rain that leaves no food.	3 A poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine.
4 Those who abandon the law praise the wicked man, but those who keep the law war against him.	4 Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.
5 Evil men understand nothing of justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all.	5 Evil men do not intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward all things.
6 Better a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked in his ways and rich.	6 Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but the gluttons' companion disgraces his father.	7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by interest and overcharge gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.	8 Whoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely to the poor.
9 When one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.	9 Whoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable.
10 He who seduces the upright into an evil way will himself fall into his own pit. (And blameless men will gain prosperity.)	10 Whoever deceives the just in a malicious way will fall into his own perdition. And the simple shall possess his goods.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who is intelligent sees through him.	11 The rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate him.
12 When the just are triumphant, there is great jubilation; but when the wicked gain preeminence, people hide.	12 In the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruin.
13 He who conceals his sins prospers not, but he who confesses and forsakes them obtains mercy.	13 Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercy.
14 Happy the man who is always on his guard; but he who hardens his heart will fall into evil.	14 Blessed is the man who is ever fearful. Yet truly, whoever is hardened in mind will fall into evil.
15 Like a roaring lion or a ravenous bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.	15 An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear.
16 The less prudent the prince, the more his deeds oppress. He who hates ill-gotten gain prolongs his days.	16 A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days.
17 Though a man burdened with human blood were to flee to the grave, none should support him.	17 A man who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate him.
18 He who walks uprightly is safe, but he whose ways are crooked falls into the pit.	18 Whoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at once.
19 He who cultivates his land will have plenty of food, but from idle pursuits a man has his fill of poverty.	19 Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with need.
20 The trustworthy man will be richly blessed; he who is in haste to grow rich will not go unpunished.	20 A faithful man shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocent.
21 To show partiality is never good: for even a morsel of bread a man may do wrong.	21 Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth.
22 The avaricious man is perturbed about his wealth, and he knows not when want will come upon him.	22 A man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm him.
23 He who rebukes a man gets more thanks in the end than one with a flattering tongue.	23 Whoever corrects a man, afterward he shall find favor with him, more so than he who deceives him with a flattering tongue.
24 He who defrauds father or mother and calls it no sin, is a partner of the brigand.	24 Whoever takes away anything from his father or mother, and who says, “This is not a sin,” is the associate of a murderer.
25 The greedy man stirs up disputes, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.	25 Whoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healed.
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is safe.	26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved.
27 He who gives to the poor suffers no want, but he who ignores them gets many a curse.	27 Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
28 When the wicked gain pre-eminence, other men hide; but at their fall the just flourish.	28 When the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied.