Proverbs 28 Study Notes

28:15 A wicked ruler is destructive out of anger (19:12; 20:2).

28:16 Very oppressive is literally “much extortion” (Is 33:15). On dishonest profit, see note at 1:19.

28:17 Until death is literally “to the Pit” (1:12). The innocent should be rescued from death (24:11), but not those guilty of shedding innocent blood (Dt 19:11-13).

28:18 On integrity, see note at 11:20.

28:19 On “work,” see note at 12:11. Have plenty and have his fill translate the same Hebrew word (18:20).

28:20 It is implied that the person in a hurry to get rich is willing to use illegal or immoral means. On not go unpunished, see note at 6:27-29.

28:21 An unjust judge may eventually give in to small bribes (24:23; Dt 16:19).

28:22 On in a hurry for wealth, see notes at vv. 19,20.

28:23 One exception to this is rebuking a mocker (9:7).

28:24 Refusing to call a sin a sin destroys society. It is sinful to justify stealing money from one’s parents (Mt 15:5-6; cp. Pr 20:21; Lk 15:12). A person is known by what kind of companions he has (Ps 1:1; 119:63; Pr 4:14; Jr 15:17).

28:25 Greedy is literally “enlarged throat” (Is 5:14) or appetite (Hab 2:5); see the Hebrew word nephesh in note at Pr 13:2-4. To prosper is literally to “be fat” (15:30). On the benefit of trusting, cp. 16:20; 29:25.

28:26 Be safe is literally “escape (judgment)” (19:5, cp. 19:9). This implies the fool will perish (1:32) because the object of his trust cannot save him (11:28).

28:27 Generosity results in blessings, not curses (22:9; cp. 21:13).

28:28 On the wicked in power, see note at v. 12. To flourish is to increase in number and power (29:16).