Proverbs 28:14-16
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 Happy those who always fear;[a]
but those who harden their hearts fall into evil.
15 A roaring lion or a ravenous bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 The less prudent the rulers, the more oppressive their deeds.
Those who hate ill-gotten gain prolong their days.
Footnotes
- 28:14 Fear is a different verb than in the phrase “to fear (or revere) the Lord.” In its only other biblical occurrence (Is 51:13), the verb means to dread an oppressor. The saying states a paradox: those who fear in the sense of being cautious are declared happy, whereas those who are fearless will fall into traps they did not “fear.” In short, there is good fear and bad fear.
Proverbs 28:14-16
King James Version
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
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Proverbs 28:14-16
New King James Version
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great (C)oppressor,
But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
Proverbs 28:14-16
English Standard Version
14 Blessed is the one who (A)fears the Lord[a] always,
but whoever (B)hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 Like (C)a roaring lion or (D)a charging bear
is (E)a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who (F)lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 28:14 Hebrew lacks the Lord
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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