Proverbs 28:15-28
New International Version
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
will seek refuge(A) in the grave;
let no one hold them back.
18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,(B)
but the one whose ways are perverse will fall(C) into the pit.[a]
19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.(D)
20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.(E)
22 The stingy are eager to get rich
and are unaware that poverty awaits them.(I)
23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
rather than one who has a flattering tongue.(J)
24 Whoever robs their father or mother(K)
and says, “It’s not wrong,”
is partner to one who destroys.(L)
27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,(Q)
but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.(R)
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;(S)
but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 28:18 Syriac (see Septuagint); Hebrew into one
Proverbs 28:15-28
Good News Translation
15 Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear.
16 A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time.
17 Someone guilty of murder is digging his own grave as fast as he can. Don't try to stop him.
18 Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall.
19 A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.
20 Honest people will lead a full, happy life. But if you are in a hurry to get rich, you are going to be punished.
21 Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.
22 Selfish people are in such a hurry to get rich that they do not know when poverty is about to strike.
23 Correct someone, and afterward he will appreciate it more than flattery.
24 Anyone who thinks it isn't wrong to steal from his parents is no better than a common thief.
25 Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord.
26 It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.
27 Give to the poor and you will never be in need. If you close your eyes to the poor, many people will curse you.
28 People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again.
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Proverbs 28:15-28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.(A)
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life.
17 If someone is burdened with the blood of another,
let that killer be a fugitive until death;
let no one offer assistance.(B)
18 One who walks in integrity will be safe,
but whoever follows crooked ways will fall into the Pit.[a](C)
19 Anyone who tills the land will have plenty of bread,
but one who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.(D)
20 The faithful will abound with blessings,
but one who is in a hurry to be rich will not go unpunished.(E)
21 To show partiality is not good,
yet for a piece of bread a person may do wrong.
22 The miser is in a hurry to get rich
and does not know that loss is sure to come.
23 Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor
than one who flatters with the tongue.(F)
24 Anyone who robs father or mother
and says, “That is no crime,”
is partner to a thug.(G)
25 The greedy person stirs up strife,
but whoever trusts in the Lord will be enriched.(H)
26 Those who trust in their own wits are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom come through safely.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but one who turns a blind eye will get many a curse.(I)
28 When the wicked prevail, people go into hiding,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Footnotes
- 28.18 Syr: Heb fall all at once
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