1 The wicked flee when there is no one pursuing,But the righteous are 28:1Lit trusting secure as a lion.2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes,But by a man who understands, who knows, so it endures.3 A poor man who oppresses the lowlyIs a driving rain 28:3Lit and there is no bread which leaves no food.4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,But those who keep the law strive with them.5 Evil men do not understand justice,But those who seek Yahweh understand all things.6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrityThan he who is crooked— 28:6Lit two ways double dealing—though he be rich.7 He who observes the law is a son who understands,But he who befriends gluttons humiliates his father.8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usuryGathers it for him who is gracious to the lowly.9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,Even his prayer is an abomination.10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil wayWill himself fall into his own pit,But the blameless will inherit good.11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes,But the lowly who understands 28:11Or sees right through him searches him.12 When the righteous exult, there is great honor,But when the wicked rise, man has to be sought out.13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,But he who confesses and forsakesthemwill receive compassion.14 How blessed is the man who is always in dread,But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.15 Likea roaring lion and a rushing bearIs a wicked ruler over a poor people.16 A leader who lacks discernment abounds in oppressions,Buthe who hates greedy gain will prolonghisdays.17 A man oppressed with the bloodguilt of lifeWill flee until 28:17Lit the pit death; let no one uphold him.18 He who walks blamelessly will be saved,But he who is crooked— 28:18Lit two ways double dealing—will fall all at once.19 He who cultivates his ground will be satisfied with food,But he who pursues emptythingswill be satisfied with poverty.20 A faithful man will abound with blessings,But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.21 To 28:21Lit regard the face show partiality is not good,Even for a piece of bread a man will transgress.22 A man with an evil eye hurries after wealthAnd does not know that want will come upon him.23 He who reproves a man will afterward findmorefavorThan he who flatters with the tongue.24 He who robs his father or his motherAnd says, “It is not a transgression,”Is the companion of a man who destroys.25 An 28:25Lit broad soul arrogant man stirs up strife,But he who trusts in Yahweh will 28:25Lit be made fat be enriched.26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,But he who walks wisely will escape.27 He who gives to the poor will never want,But he who 28:27Lit hides shuts his eyes will have many curses.28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;But when they perish, the righteous increase.