Proverbs 28

NEW JERUSALEM	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
1 The wicked flees when no one is pursuing, the upright is bold as a lion.	1 The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread.
2 A country in revolt throws up many leaders: with one person wise and experienced, you have stability.	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 The wicked oppresses the weak: here is a devastating rain -- and farewell, bread!	3 A poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine.
4 Those who forsake the law sing the praises of the wicked, those who observe the law are angered bythem.	4 Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.
5 The wicked do not know what justice means, those who seek Yahweh understand everything.	5 Evil men do not intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward all things.
6 Better someone poor living an honest life than someone of devious ways however rich.	6 Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.
7 An intel igent child is one who keeps the Law; an associate of profligates brings shame on his father.	7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to his father.
8 Whoever increases wealth by usury and interest amasses it for someone else who will bestow it on thepoor.	8 Whoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely to the poor.
9 Whoever refuses to listen to the Law, such a one's very prayer is an abomination.	9 Whoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable.
10 Whoever seduces the honest to evil ways wil fal into his own pit. The blameless are the heirs tohappiness.	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 may think himself wise, but the intelligent poor wil unmask him.	11 The rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate him.
12 When the upright triumph, there is great exultation: when the wicked are in the ascendant, peopletake cover.	12 In the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruin.
13 No one who conceals his sins will prosper, whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.	13 Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercy.
14 Blessed the person who is never without fear, whoever hardens his heart will fal into distress.	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 springing bear is a wicked ruler of a powerless people.	15 An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear.
16 An unenlightened ruler is rich in rapacity, one who hates greed wil lengthen his days.	16 A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days.
17 A man guilty of murder wil flee till he reaches his tomb: let no one halt him!	17 A man who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate him.
18 Whoever lives an honest life wil be safe, whoever wavers between two ways falls down in one ofthem.	18 Whoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at once.
19 Whoever works his land shall have bread and to spare, but no one who chases fantasies has anysense.	19 Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with need.
20 A trustworthy person wil be overwhelmed with blessings, but no one who tries to get rich quickly wilgo unpunished.	20 A faithful man shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocent.
21 It is not good to show partiality, but people will do wrong for a mouthful of bread.	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 person of greedy eye chases after wealth, not knowing that want wil be the result.	22 A man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm him.
23 Anyone who reproves another wil enjoy more favour in the end than the flatterer.	23 Whoever corrects a man, afterward he shall find favor with him, more so than he who deceives him with a flattering tongue.
24 Whoever robs father and mother saying, 'Nothing wrong in that!' is comrade for a 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 covetous provokes disputes, whoever trusts in Yahweh wil prosper.	25 Whoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healed.
26 Whoever trusts his own wit is a fool, anyone whose ways are wise wil be safe.	26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved.
27 No one who gives to the poor wil ever go short, but whoever closes his eyes will have curses inplenty.	27 Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
28 When the wicked are in the ascendant, people take cover, but when they perish, the upright multiply.	28 When the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied.