Proverbs 28:1-16 Parallel Bible Translations

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	ERV English Revised Version	ESV English Standard Version	NIV New International Version
1	The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are 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	For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.	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 needy man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth 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	They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend 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 understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.	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 that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be 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	Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father.	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 that augmenteth his substance by usury and increase, gathereth it for him that hath pity on 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 that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.	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	Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the perfect shall 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 is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.	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: but when the wicked rise, 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 that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain 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	Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.	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	As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so 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	The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall 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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