Proverbs 28
CHAPTER 28
1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold ( Proverbs 14:26 , Psalms 27:1 ).
2. Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each.
but by a man . . . prolonged--or, "by a man of understanding--that is, a good ruler--he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.
3. A poor man, &c.--Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.
4. They that forsake . . . wicked--Wrongdoers encourage one another.
5. (Compare John 7:17 ). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.
6. (Compare Proverbs 10:6 ). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.
7. (Compare Proverbs 17:25 ).
riotous men--or, "gluttons" ( Proverbs 23:20 Proverbs 23:21 ).
8. usury . . . unjust gain--(Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of wealth.
9. (Compare Proverbs 15:8 , 21:27 ).
hearing--that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers ( Psalms 66:18 , John 4:24 ).
10. (Compare Proverbs 26:27 ).
11. A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.
12. great glory--or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation ( Proverbs 14:34 ).
a man . . . hidden--that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.
13. (Compare Psalms 32:3-5 ). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent ( Psalms 51:4 ).
14. feareth--that is, God, and so repents.
hardeneth his heart--makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent ( Proverbs 14:16 , 29:1 ).
15. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psalms 7:2 , 17:12 ).
16. The prince . . . understanding--that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.
17. doeth violence . . . blood, &c.--or, that is oppressed by the blood of life ( Genesis 9:6 ), which he has taken.
to the pit--the grave or destruction ( Proverbs 1:12 , Job 33:18-24 , Psalms 143:7 ).
stay him--sustain or deliver him.
18. (Compare Proverbs 10:9 , 17:20 ). Double dealing is eventually fatal.
19. (Compare Proverbs 10:4 , 20:4 ).
vain persons--idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked ( Proverbs 12:11 , Psalms 26:4 ).
20. maketh haste . . . rich--implying deceit or fraud ( Proverbs 20:21 ), and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.