Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues them; but the righteous, like lions, feel sure of themselves.

2 A land which transgresses [is punished by] having many rulers; but with a man of understanding and knowledge, stability is prolonged.

3 A poor man who oppresses the weak is like a downpour that sweeps away all the food.

4 Those who abandon Torah praise the wicked, but those who keep Torah fight them.

5 Evil people don't understand justice, but those who seek ADONAI understand everything.

6 Better to be poor and live an honest life than be crooked in one's ways, though rich.

7 A wise son observes Torah, but a friend of those lacking restraint shames his father.

8 He who increases his wealth by charging exorbitant interest amasses it for someone who will bestow it on the poor.

9 If a person will not listen to Torah, even his prayer is an abomination.

10 Whoever causes the honest to pursue evil ways will himself fall into his own pit, but the pure-hearted will inherit good.

11 The rich man is wise in his own view, but the poor who has discernment sees through him.

12 When the just are triumphant, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked rise up, people hide.

13 He who conceals his sins will not succeed; he who confesses and abandons them will gain mercy.

14 Happy the person who is never without fear, but he who hardens his heart will fall into misfortune.

15 Like a roaring lion or a bear prowling for food is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A prince without discernment is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates greed will prolong his life.

17 Let a man weighed down with anyone's blood flee to a pit; give him no support.

18 Whoever lives blamelessly will be saved, but he whose ways are crooked will fall in one [of those ways].

19 He who farms his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows futilities will have plenty of poverty.

20 A trustworthy person will receive many blessings, but one rushing to get rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good, though a person may do wrong for a crust of bread.

22 He who is greedy rushes after riches, not knowing that want will overtake him.

23 He who rebukes another person in the end gets more thanks than the flatterer.

24 Whoever robs mother or father and says, "That's not a crime!"is comrade to the destroyer.

25 A grasping disposition stirs up strife, but he who trusts in ADONAI will prosper.

26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who lives by wisdom will escape.

27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who hides his eyes will get curses in plenty.

28 When the wicked rise up, people hide; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.

Proverbs 28 Commentary

Chapter 28

Verse 1 Sin makes men cowards. Whatever difficulties the righteous meet in the way of duty, they are not daunted. Verse 2 . National sins disturb the public repose. Verse 3 . If needy persons get opportunities of oppressing, their extortion will be more severe than that of the more wealthy. Verse 4 . Wicked people strengthen one another in wicked ways. Verse 5 . If a man seeks the Lord, it is a good sign that he understands much, and it is a good means of understanding more. Verse 6 . An honest, godly, poor man, is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; has more comfort in himself, and is a greater blessing to the world. Verse 7 . Companions of riotous men not only grieve their parents, but shame them. Verse 8 . That which is ill got, though it may increase much, will not last long. Thus the poor are repaid, and God is glorified. Verse 9 . The sinner at whose prayers God is angry, is one who obstinately refuses to obey God's commands. Verse 10 . The success of ungodly men is their own misery. Verse 11 . Rich men are so flattered, that they think themselves superior to others. Verse 12 . There is glory in the land when the righteous have liberty. Verse 13 . It is folly to indulge sin, and excuse it. He who covers his sins, shall not have any true peace. He who humbly confesses his sins, with true repentance and faith, shall find mercy from God. The Son of God is our great atonement. Under a deep sense of our guilt and danger, we may claim salvation from that mercy which reigns through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Verse 14 . There is a fear which causes happiness. Faith and love will deliver from the fear of eternal misery; but we should always fear offending God, and fear sinning against him. Verse 15 . A wicked ruler, whatever we may call him, this scripture calls a roaring lion, and a ranging bear. Verse 16 . Oppressors want understanding; they do not consult their own honour, ease, and safety. Verse 17 . The murderer shall be haunted with terrors. None shall desire to save him from deserved punishment, nor pity him. Verse 18 . Uprightness will give men holy security in the worst times; but the false and dishonest are never safe. Verse 19 . Those who are diligent, take the way to live comfortably. Verse 20 . The true way to be happy, is to be holy and honest; not to raise an estate suddenly, without regard to right or wrong. Verse 21 . Judgment is perverted, when any thing but pure right is considered. Verse 22 . He that hastens to be rich, never seriously thinks how quickly God may take his wealth from him, and leave him in poverty. Verse 23 . Upon reflection, most will have a better opinion of a faithful reprover than of a soothing flatterer. Verse 24 . Here is the wickedness of those who think it no sin to rob their parents, by wheedling them or threatening them, or by wasting what they have, and running into debt. Verse 25 . Those make themselves always easy, that live in continual dependence upon God and his grace, and live by faith. Verse 26 . A fool trusts to his own strength, merit, and righteousness. And trusts to his own heart, which is not only deceitful above all things, but which has often deceived him. Verse 27 . A selfish man not only will not look out for objects of compassion, but will look off from those that call for his attention. Verse 28 . When power is put into the hands of the wicked, wise men decline public business. If the reader will go diligently over this and the other chapters, in many places where at first he may suppose there is least of Christ, still he will find what will lead to him.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 15

In this chapter we have a short history of the reign of Abijam, 1Ki 15:1-8 and of Asa, 1Ki 14:9-24, both kings of Judah; and of the reigns of Nadab the son of Jeroboam, and of Baasha, who destroyed his family, both kings of Israel, 1Ki 15:25-34.