Proverbs 28

The Boldness of the Righteous

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

7 A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.

10 He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

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, ^[a] 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; ^[b] let no one support him.

18 He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 A stingy man ^[c] hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.

23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

24 He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.

25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or always fears the LORD; Hebrew does not include the LORD.
• [b]. Or will be a fugitive until death
• [c]. Hebrew A man whose eye is evil

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.