Proverbs 28:15

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

Proverbs 28:15 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:15

[As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear
Which are both terrible; the lion that roars for want of food, or when it is over its prey; and the hear, when it runs from place to place in quest of provision, being "hungry [and very] desirous" of food, has a keen appetite, as some think the word ^F12 signifies. The Targum and Jarchi take it to be expressive of the cry and roaring it makes at such a time, as well as the lion; see ( Isaiah 59:11 ) ; so the Tigurine version. "Roaring" is the proper epithet of a lion, and is frequently given it in Scripture, and in other writers ^F13; and the bear, it is to have its name, in the Oriental language, from the growling and murmuring noise it makes when hungry; hence that of Horace ^F14; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people;
one that rules over them in a tyrannical manner, sadly oppresses them, takes away the little from them they have, which is very cruel and barbarous; when he ought to protect and defend them, against whom they cannot stand, and whom they dare not resist; and who therefore must be as terrible to them, being as cruel and voracious as the above animals. Tyrants are frequently compared to lions, ( Jeremiah 4:7 ) ( 50:17 ) ( 2 Timothy 4:17 ) ; and the man of sin, the wicked ruler and great oppressor of God's poor people, is compared to both; his feet are as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion, ( Revelation 13:2 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 (qqwv) "avidus", Pagninus, Montanus; "famelicus", Castalio, Schultens; "esuriens", V. L. Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Bochart; "adpetens", Michaelis.
F13 "Leo fremit", Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 8. c. 16. "Spumat aper, fluit unda, fremit leo, sibilat anguis"; Licentius de Protheo.
F14 "Nec vespertinus circumgemit ursus ovile", Epod. Ode 16. v. 51.

Proverbs 28:15 In-Context

13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

17 A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.