Proverbs 28
Proverbs 28 presents pivotal events and lessons, emphasizing themes like faith, obedience, and God’s faithful guidance.
Summary
Proverbs 28 continues the story of Proverbs, revealing key themes of faith, obedience, and God’s promise-keeping. This chapter illustrates the human response to divine commands, showing both trust and failure, and demonstrates God’s mercy and justice. As part of the larger narrative, it lays groundwork for understanding God’s covenant relationship with His people and points forward to the hope of redemption. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, to trust in God’s plans, and to live in faithful obedience, finding hope in His unchanging character.
Primarily attributed to Solomon, with contributions from others (10th–6th century BC). Wisdom sayings.
Proverbs 28: KJV Commentary and Summary
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 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.
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things].
6 Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
10 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.
11 The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12 When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.
14 Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but [he that is] perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21 To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.
22 He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Faith, Obedience, God’s Promises, Judgment, Mercy, Hope
Proverbs 28:1 – Highlights key themes of faith and God’s interaction with His people.; Proverbs 28:15 – Highlights key themes of faith and God’s interaction with His people.; Proverbs 28:28 – Highlights key themes of faith and God’s interaction with His people.