Proverbs 28

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.	1 The wicked man flees although no one pursues him; but the just man, like a lion, feels sure of himself.
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 If a land is rebellious, its princes will be many; but with a prudent man it knows security.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.	3 A rich man who oppresses the poor is like a devastating rain that leaves no food.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.	4 Those who abandon the law praise the wicked man, but those who keep the law war against him.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.	5 Evil men understand nothing of justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.	6 Better a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked in his ways and rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.	7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but the gluttons' companion disgraces 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 He who increases his wealth by interest and overcharge gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.	9 When one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his 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 He who seduces the upright into an evil way will himself fall into his own pit. (And blameless men will gain prosperity.)
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.	11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who is intelligent sees through him.
12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.	12 When the just are triumphant, there is great jubilation; but when the wicked gain preeminence, people hide.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.	13 He who conceals his sins prospers not, but he who confesses and forsakes them obtains mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.	14 Happy the man who is always on his guard; but he who hardens his heart will fall into evil.
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 ravenous bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.	16 The less prudent the prince, the more his deeds oppress. He who hates ill-gotten gain prolongs 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 Though a man burdened with human blood were to flee to the grave, none should support him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.	18 He who walks uprightly is safe, but he whose ways are crooked falls into the pit.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.	19 He who cultivates his land will have plenty of food, but from idle pursuits a man has his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.	20 The trustworthy man will be richly blessed; he who is in haste to grow rich will not go unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.	21 To show partiality is never good: for even a morsel of bread a man may do wrong.
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.	22 The avaricious man is perturbed about his wealth, and he knows not when want will come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.	23 He who rebukes a man gets more thanks in the end than one with a flattering tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.	24 He who defrauds father or mother and calls it no sin, is a partner of the 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 greedy man stirs up disputes, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.	26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is safe.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.	27 He who gives to the poor suffers no want, but he who ignores them gets many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.	28 When the wicked gain pre-eminence, other men hide; but at their fall the just flourish.