28
1 The ungodly man flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident as a lion. 2 By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will * quell them. 3 A bold man oppresses the poor by ungodly deeds. As an impetuous and profitable rain, 4 so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall. 5 Evil men will not understand judgement: but they that seek the Lord will understand † everything. 6 A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar. 7 A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours his father. 8 He that increases his wealth by usuries and unjust gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor. 9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has ‡ made his prayer abominable. 10 He that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressor also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it. 11 A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him. 12 By reason of the help of righteous men great glory arises: but in the places of the ungodly men are caught. 13 He that covers his own ungodliness shall not prosper: but he that blames himself shall be loved. 14 Blessed is the man who religiously fears § always: but the hard of heart shall fall into mischiefs. 15 A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf is he, who, being poor, rules over a poor nation. 16 A king in need of revenues is a great oppressor: but he that hates injustice shall live a long time. 17 He that becomes surety for a man charged with murder shall be an exile, and not in safety. Chasten your son, and he shall love you, and give honour to your soul: he shall not obey a sinful nation. 18 He that walks justly is assisted: but he that walks in crooked ways shall be entangled therein. 19 He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with ** bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty. 20 A man worthy of credit shall be much blessed: but the wicked shall not be unpunished. 21 He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread. 22 An envious man makes haste to be rich, and knows not that the merciful man will have the mastery over him. 23 He that reproves a man's ways shall have more favour than he that flatters with the tongue. 24 †† He that casts off father or mother, and thinks he sins not; the same is partaker with an ungodly man. 25 An unbelieving man judges rashly: but he that trusts in the Lord will act carefully. 26 He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe. 27 He that gives to the poor shall not be in lack: but he that turns away his eye from him shall be in great distress. 28 In the places of ungodly men the righteous ‡‡ mourn: but in their destruction the righteous shall be multiplied.
* 28:2 Gr. quench. † 28:5 Gr. in everything. ‡ 28:9 Or, abhorred his prayer. § 28:14 Gr. all things. ** 28:19 Gr. plural. †† 28:24 Mark 7:11. ‡‡ 28:28 Gr. groan.