Proverbs 28 (ESV)

28 verses · English Standard Version · Essentially literal

The ESV balances word-for-word accuracy with modern English readability. Favored by scholars and pastors for study and preaching, it preserves the structure of the original Hebrew and Greek while using clear, contemporary language.

Proverbs Chapter 28 contains 28 verses and is presented here in the English Standard Version (ESV), which uses a essentially literal approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 31 chapters in Proverbs.

NIVKJVNLTMSGNASB
Chapter 27Chapter 29

1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.

3A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.

4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.

5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

6Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

7The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

10Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

14Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

17If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.

18Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

19Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

21To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

23Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.

24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.

25A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

26Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

27Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

28When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Chapter 27Read in NIVChapter 29

About This Translation

What is Proverbs 28 in the ESV?

Proverbs 28 in the English Standard Version (ESV) contains 28 verses. The ESV uses a essentially literal approach, first published in 2001 (rev. 2016).

How does the ESV translate Proverbs 28 differently?

The English Standard Version uses essentially literal, balancing accuracy with modern readability. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Proverbs 28 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Proverbs 28 (ESV)?

Proverbs Chapter 28 contains 28 verses in the English Standard Version. The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters total.

Proverbs (ESV) — All 31 Chapters