Chapter 28 of 31
Proverbs 28
Every verse twice: in the King James Version, and in the World Bible Guide plain reading — what it says, in words anyone can follow.
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Proverbs 28, verse by verse
Each verse is given twice: first in the King James Version, then in the World Bible Guide plain reading.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
The guilty run even when no one chases them, but the honest stand strong and fearless.
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
When a nation sins, it has many rulers, but a wise and knowledgeable leader brings stability.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A poor man who mistreats his fellow poor is like a harsh storm that leaves nothing to eat.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Those who abandon the rules celebrate the wrongdoers, but those who follow the rules challenge them.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Wicked people fail to grasp fairness, but those who pursue God comprehend everything.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
It's better to be poor but honest, than to be rich but deceitful.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
A wise child respects the rules, bringing joy to their parents. But those who hang out with troublemakers bring shame to their family.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
Those who exploit others and gain wealth unjustly are only amassing it for those who show compassion to the needy.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
If you choose to ignore God's teachings, even your prayers will be seen as offensive.
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
Whoever leads the good astray will fall into their own trap, but the honest will be rewarded with blessings.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The wealthy man may think he's smart, but a poor man with insight can see through his arrogance.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
When good people celebrate, it's a beautiful sight; but when evil ones rise, people hide in fear.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
If you hide your wrongdoings, you won't succeed. But if you admit and stop them, you'll receive forgiveness.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
A man who respects and remains humble is filled with joy, but one who becomes stubborn and unfeeling is bound to encounter trouble.
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Just as a roaring lion or a prowling bear instills fear, so does a cruel leader over helpless people.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A leader lacking wisdom can cause great harm, but one who despises greed will live a long and prosperous life.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Anyone guilty of shedding another's blood will be a fugitive all the way to the grave; let no one hold him back or help him.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Those who live honestly will find salvation, but those who choose deceit will stumble immediately.
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
Those who work hard on their land will have abundant food, but those who chase after unproductive people will face much poverty.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A devoted person will be showered with blessings, but those who rush to wealth won't remain blameless.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Showing favoritism isn't right; even for the smallest gain, one might do wrong.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Those who rush to gain wealth are blinded by greed, oblivious to the looming threat of poverty.
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
If you correct someone honestly, you'll be more appreciated than if you just sweet-talk them.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
Anyone who steals from their parents and claims it's not wrong, is as harmful as a destroyer.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
A prideful person causes conflict, but those who trust in God will find abundance.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Believing only in yourself is foolish, but if you tread with wisdom, you'll find salvation.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
When you generously give to the needy, you'll never be without. But if you close your eyes to their plight, you'll have many curses heaped on you.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
When evil reigns, people live in fear; but when it falls, the good flourish.
Go on with Proverbs 28
Hear it read aloud in the iPhone and iPad app, or bring a question about it to Simon Peter, Paul, Philip, John the Baptist, Judas Iscariot or Jesus. When an answer rests on a passage, you see which one. Each person is an interpretation drawn from the text, never the person.
The chapters of Proverbs