Proverbs 28 Commentary
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 28, nestled within the collection attributed to Solomon and compiled by Hezekiah's men (Proverbs 25:1), presents a series of insightful contrasts and observations on righteousness, leadership, and the consequences of both wisdom and folly. This chapter, like others in Proverbs, offers practical guidance for navigating life with integrity and discernment. Its wisdom is timeless, speaking to the human condition across generations.
The Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 28:1-12)
The chapter opens with a stark contrast: "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1). This verse highlights the power of a clear conscience. A guilty conscience breeds fear, causing the wicked to be constantly looking over their shoulders. In contrast, the righteous, grounded in integrity, possess a boldness that transcends circumstances. Moral integrity is indeed worth far more than material wealth.
Proverbs 28:2-5 touches on the impact of leadership on a nation. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with persons of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. Ungodly rulers inspire fear and hiding, reflecting a chaotic and sinful culture. The destruction of such wicked leaders, however, brings celebration and fosters an environment where goodness can flourish.
Solomon warns that those who routinely ignore God actually anger Him when they attempt to pray, as if He is obligated to give them their wishes (Proverbs 28:9).
Proverbs 28:11 reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. "A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding sees through him." It speaks to the self-deception to which we are all prone. The person who is wise in his own eyes can be completely without wisdom. The discernment spoken of here is a valuable tool because the Holy Spirit helps us see things clearly.
Confession, Consequences, and Integrity (Proverbs 28:13-28)
A key principle is unveiled in Proverbs 28:13: "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." James echoes this sentiment, urging us to "confess your sins to one another so that you may be healed" (James 5:16). Confession is not merely an admission of guilt but a turning away from sin, paving the way for healing and restoration. Conversely, Proverbs 28:14 warns, "Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity." Like Pharaoh, who hardened his heart (Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34), those who resist God's call face dire consequences.
The importance of integrity is further emphasized in Proverbs 28:17-18: "If one is burdened by the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him. He who walks blamelessly will be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall." Our treatment of others ultimately impacts our own well-being. Integrity leads to safety, while perversity invites destruction.
Proverbs 28:20 warns against the allure of quick riches: "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished." The typical route to wealth is to earn it little by little, through honest labor. Participating in a get-rich-quick scheme is the fastest route to ruin.
The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of trust: "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered" (Proverbs 28:26). The question we need to ask ourselves is this: “In whom do I really trust?” If we trust God, we’re kept safe from the pitfalls the world and the devil put in our paths. And while this is no guarantee that misfortune won’t befall us Christians, it is a promise that God will watch over us no matter our circumstances.
Proverbs 28 offers a tapestry of wisdom, urging us to embrace righteousness, seek discernment, and live with integrity. By heeding these timeless principles, we can navigate life's complexities with confidence and secure a future grounded in God's blessings.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 28, nestled within the collection attributed to Solomon and compiled by Hezekiah's men (Proverbs 25:1), presents a series of insightful contrasts and observations on righteousness, leadership, and the consequences of both wisdom and folly. This chapter, like others in Proverbs, offers practical guidance for navigating life with integrity and discernment. Its wisdom is timeless, speaking to the human condition across generations.
The Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 28:1-12)
The chapter opens with a stark contrast: "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1). This verse highlights the power of a clear conscience. A guilty conscience breeds fear, causing the wicked to be constantly looking over their shoulders. In contrast, the righteous, grounded in integrity, possess a boldness that transcends circumstances. Moral integrity is indeed worth far more than material wealth.
Proverbs 28:2-5 touches on the impact of leadership on a nation. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with persons of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. Ungodly rulers inspire fear and hiding, reflecting a chaotic and sinful culture. The destruction of such wicked leaders, however, brings celebration and fosters an environment where goodness can flourish.
Solomon warns that those who routinely ignore God actually anger Him when they attempt to pray, as if He is obligated to give them their wishes (Proverbs 28:9).
Proverbs 28:11 reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. "A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding sees through him." It speaks to the self-deception to which we are all prone. The person who is wise in his own eyes can be completely without wisdom. The discernment spoken of here is a valuable tool because the Holy Spirit helps us see things clearly.
Confession, Consequences, and Integrity (Proverbs 28:13-28)
A key principle is unveiled in Proverbs 28:13: "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." James echoes this sentiment, urging us to "confess your sins to one another so that you may be healed" (James 5:16). Confession is not merely an admission of guilt but a turning away from sin, paving the way for healing and restoration. Conversely, Proverbs 28:14 warns, "Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity." Like Pharaoh, who hardened his heart (Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34), those who resist God's call face dire consequences.
The importance of integrity is further emphasized in Proverbs 28:17-18: "If one is burdened by the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him. He who walks blamelessly will be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall." Our treatment of others ultimately impacts our own well-being. Integrity leads to safety, while perversity invites destruction.
Proverbs 28:20 warns against the allure of quick riches: "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished." The typical route to wealth is to earn it little by little, through honest labor. Participating in a get-rich-quick scheme is the fastest route to ruin.
The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of trust: "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered" (Proverbs 28:26). The question we need to ask ourselves is this: “In whom do I really trust?” If we trust God, we’re kept safe from the pitfalls the world and the devil put in our paths. And while this is no guarantee that misfortune won’t befall us Christians, it is a promise that God will watch over us no matter our circumstances.
Proverbs 28 offers a tapestry of wisdom, urging us to embrace righteousness, seek discernment, and live with integrity. By heeding these timeless principles, we can navigate life's complexities with confidence and secure a future grounded in God's blessings.