Proverbs 28:14-24

14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!

18 The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

19 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

21 Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22 Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.

Proverbs 28:14-24 Meaning and Commentary

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or those who fear the ; Hebrew reads those who fear.