Proverbs 28

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

2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged.

3 A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all.

6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.

9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.

11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.

16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.

18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.

23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.

24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, "It is no transgression," The same is companion to a destroyer.

25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.

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.