---
title: Joseph Smith Translation (1867 edition)
description: Proverbs from the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), 1867 edition.
authors:
  - Smith, Joseph, Jr.
collections:
  - joseph-smith
tags:
  - translation
published: "1867"
publisher: RLDS Publication Board
publisher_place: Plano, Illinois
publisher_note: "The title page reads: Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Joseph Smith, I. L. Rogers, E. Robinson, Publishing Committee; 1867."
edition: First edition (Plano, 1867)
language: en
type: book
chapter: 28
verse_count: 28
reference: "Joseph Smith Jr., *Joseph Smith Translation*, first edition (Plano, IL: RLDS Publication Board, 1867), Proverbs, chap. 28, https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft."
source:
  url: https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft
  identifier: holyscripturestr00smituoft
  scan: University of Toronto / Trinity College Library copy, Internet Archive
  transcription: "OCR text of the 1867 scans (Toronto copy and a second copy, holyscriptures00smit), reconciled word by word; Romans was also checked against the page images. Method, per-chapter validation log and known limits: docs/jst-1867-import.md."
rights:
  status: public-domain
  basis: 1867 US publication
  source: https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft
  publication_year: 1867
---

# Proverbs 28

*Of impiety and religious integrity.*

**1** The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.
**2** 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.
**3** A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
**4** They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.
**5** Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
**6** Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
**7** Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
**8** He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
**9** He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
**10** 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.
**11** The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
**12** When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
**13** He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
**14** Happy is the man that feareth always; 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.
**17** A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
**18** Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved; but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
**19** He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
**20** A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
**21** To have respect of persons is not good; for, for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
**22** He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
**23** He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
**24** Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
**25** He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
**26** He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
**27** He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
**28** When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish the righteous increase.