Proverbs 28:1-16 Parallel Bible Translations

Proverbs 28:1-16 ▼
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1 The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion. The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a land does wrong, it has many princes, But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food. A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, But they who long for and seek the LORD understand it fully. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked and two-faced though he is rich. Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7 He who keeps the law [of God and man] is a wise and discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father [and himself]. The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest) Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man], Even his prayer is repulsive [to God]. If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
10 He who leads the upright astray on an evil path Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance. Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 The rich man [who is conceited and relies on his wealth instead of God] is wise in his own eyes, But the poor man who has understanding [because he relies on God] is able to see through him. A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration; But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy. Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed and favored by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times, But he who hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster. Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people. Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days], But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days. A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
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