Proverbs 28:15

15 Like a roaring lion or a bear prowling for food is a wicked ruler over a poor 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 succeed; he who confesses and abandons them will gain mercy.

14 Happy the person who is never without fear, but he who hardens his heart will fall into misfortune.

15 Like a roaring lion or a bear prowling for food is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A prince without discernment is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates greed will prolong his life.

17 Let a man weighed down with anyone's blood flee to a pit; give him no support.