Proverbs 28

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

2 By the rebellion of the land, many are its princes, but by the man of understanding and wisdom the land shall remain stable.

3 A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

4 Those that forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men do not understand judgment, but those that seek the LORD understand all things.

6 Better is the poor that walks in his perfection than he that is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.

7 Whosoever keeps the law is a wise son, but he that is a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8 He that by usury and unjust gain increases his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 Whosoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit, but the perfect shall inherit every good thing.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but the poor that has understanding is wiser than he.

12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, the sane man hides himself.

13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whosoever confesses and forsakes them shall attain mercy.

14 Blessed is the man that fears God always, but he that hardens his heart shall fall into evil.

15 As a roaring lion and a hungry bear, so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor, but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee all the way to the grave, and no one shall sustain him.

18 Whosoever walks in integrity shall be saved, but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall into one of them.

19 He that tills his land shall be filled with bread, but he that follows after vain persons shall be filled with poverty.

20 The man of truth shall abound with blessings, but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be absolved.

21 To have respect of persons in judgment is not good; even for a piece of bread, man will transgress.

22 He that hastens to be rich has an evil eye and does not consider that poverty shall come upon him.

23 He that rebukes a man, afterwards shall find more favour than he that flatters with the tongue.

24 Whosoever robs his father or his mother and says, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of the destroyer.

25 He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whosoever walks in wisdom, he shall be saved.

27 He that gives unto the poor shall never lack, but he that hides his eyes from the poor shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, sane men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous multiply.

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.

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.