Proverbs 28

1 Sinners run away even when no one is chasing them. But those who do what is right are as bold as lions.

2 A country has many rulers when its people don't obey. But an understanding king knows how to keep order.

3 A ruler who beats poor people down is like a pounding rain that leaves no crops.

4 Those who turn away from the law praise sinners. But those who obey the law oppose them.

5 Sinful men don't understand what is fair. But those who worship the LORD understand it completely.

6 It is better to be poor and live without blame than to be rich and follow a crooked path.

7 A child who obeys the law understands what is right. But a child who likes to eat too much brings shame on his father.

8 A person who increases his wealth by charging high interest piles it up for someone who will be kind to poor people.

9 If you don't pay attention to the law, even your prayers are hated.

10 Those who lead honest people down an evil path will fall into their own trap. But those who are without blame will receive good things.

11 Rich people may be wise in their own eyes. But a poor person who understands what is right knows what they are really like.

12 When godly people win, everyone is very happy. But when sinners take charge, everyone hides.

13 Anyone who hides his sins doesn't succeed. But anyone who admits his sins and gives them up finds mercy.

14 Blessed is the one who always has respect for the Lord. But anyone who is stubborn will get into trouble.

15 An evil person who rules over helpless people is like a roaring lion or an angry bear.

16 A ruler who is mean to his people doesn't have any sense. But anyone who hates money gained in the wrong way will enjoy a long life.

17 A man who is troubled because he is guilty of murder will be on the run until the day he dies. No one should give him any help.

18 Anyone who lives without blame is kept safe. But anyone whose path is crooked will suddenly fall.

19 Anyone who farms his land will have plenty of food. But anyone who chases dreams will be very poor.

20 A faithful man will be richly blessed. But anyone who wants to get rich will be punished.

21 Favoring one person over another is not good. But some men will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 A man who won't share what he has wants to get rich. He doesn't know he is going to be poor.

23 It is better to warn a man than to pretend to praise him. In the end he will be more pleased with you.

24 Anyone who steals from his parents and says, "It's not wrong," is just like a man who destroys.

25 A person who always wants more stirs up fights. But anyone who trusts in the LORD will succeed.

26 Anyone who trusts in himself is foolish. But a person who lives wisely is kept safe.

27 Those who give to poor people will have everything they need. But those who close their eyes to the poor will be under many curses.

28 When those who are evil take charge, other people hide. But when those who are evil die, godly people grow stronger.

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.