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.
1 The wicked H7563 flee H5127 when no man pursueth: H7291 but the righteous H6662 are bold H982 as a lion. H3715
2 For the transgression H6588 of a land H776 many H7227 are the princes H8269 thereof: but by a man H120 of understanding H995 and knowledge H3045 the state H3651 thereof shall be prolonged. H748
3 A poor H7326 man H1397 that oppresseth H6231 the poor H1800 is like a sweeping H5502 rain H4306 which leaveth no food. H3899
4 They that forsake H5800 the law H8451 praise H1984 the wicked: H7563 but such as keep H8104 the law H8451 contend H1624 with them.
5 Evil H7451 men H582 understand H995 not judgment: H4941 but they that seek H1245 the LORD H3068 understand H995 all things.
6 Better H2896 is the poor H7326 that walketh H1980 in his uprightness, H8537 than he that is perverse H6141 in his ways, H1870 though he be rich. H6223
7 Whoso keepeth H5341 the law H8451 is a wise H995 son: H1121 but he that is a companion H7462 of riotous H2151 men shameth H3637 his father. H1
8 He that by usury H5392 and unjust gain H8636 increaseth H7235 his substance, H1952 he shall gather H6908 it for him that will pity H2603 the poor. H1800
9 He that turneth away H5493 his ear H241 from hearing H8085 the law, H8451 even his prayer H8605 shall be abomination. H8441
10 Whoso causeth the righteous H3477 to go astray H7686 in an evil H7451 way, H1870 he shall fall H5307 himself into his own pit: H7816 but the upright H8549 shall have good H2896 things in possession. H5157
11 The rich H6223 man H376 is wise H2450 in his own conceit; H5869 but the poor H1800 that hath understanding H995 searcheth him out. H2713
12 When righteous H6662 men do rejoice, H5970 there is great H7227 glory: H8597 but when the wicked H7563 rise, H6965 a man H120 is hidden. H2664
13 He that covereth H3680 his sins H6588 shall not prosper: H6743 but whoso confesseth H3034 and forsaketh H5800 them shall have mercy. H7355
14 Happy H835 is the man H120 that feareth H6342 alway: H8548 but he that hardeneth H7185 his heart H3820 shall fall H5307 into mischief. H7451
15 As a roaring H5098 lion, H738 and a ranging H8264 bear; H1677 so is a wicked H7563 ruler H4910 over the poor H1800 people. H5971
16 The prince H5057 that wanteth H2638 understanding H8394 is also a great H7227 oppressor: H4642 but he that hateth H8130 covetousness H1215 shall prolong H748 his days. H3117
17 A man H120 that doeth violence H6231 to the blood H1818 of any person H5315 shall flee H5127 to the pit; H953 let no man stay H8551 him.
18 Whoso walketh H1980 uprightly H8549 shall be saved: H3467 but he that is perverse H6140 in his ways H1870 shall fall H5307 at once. H259
19 He that tilleth H5647 his land H127 shall have plenty H7646 of bread: H3899 but he that followeth H7291 after vain H7386 persons shall have poverty enough. H7389
20 A faithful H530 man H376 shall abound H7227 with blessings: H1293 but he that maketh haste H213 to be rich H6238 shall not be innocent. H5352
21 To have respect H5234 of persons H6440 is not good: H2896 for for a piece H6595 of bread H3899 that man H1397 will transgress. H6586
22 He H376 that hasteth H926 to be rich H1952 hath an evil H7451 eye, H5869 and considereth H3045 not that poverty H2639 shall come H935 upon him.
23 He that rebuketh H3198 a man H120 afterwards H310 shall find H4672 more favour H2580 than he that flattereth H2505 with the tongue. H3956
24 Whoso robbeth H1497 his father H1 or his mother, H517 and saith, H559 It is no transgression; H6588 the same is the companion H2270 of a destroyer. H376 H7843
25 He that is of a proud H7342 heart H5315 stirreth up H1624 strife: H4066 but he that putteth his trust H982 in the LORD H3068 shall be made fat. H1878
26 He that trusteth H982 in his own heart H3820 is a fool: H3684 but whoso walketh H1980 wisely, H2451 he shall be delivered. H4422
27 He that giveth H5414 unto the poor H7326 shall not lack: H4270 but he that hideth H5956 his eyes H5869 shall have many H7227 a curse. H3994
28 When the wicked H7563 rise, H6965 men H120 hide H5641 themselves: but when they perish, H6 the righteous H6662 increase. H7235
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 men of understanding `and' knowledge the state `thereof' shall be prolonged.
3 A needy 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 justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, 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 gluttons shameth his father.
8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain 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 a poor people.
16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; `But' he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; 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 unpunished.
21 To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
22 he that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor 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 greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah 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.
1 The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer. And the righteous as a young lion is confident.
2 By the transgression of a land many `are' its heads. And by an intelligent man, Who knoweth right -- it is prolonged.
3 A man -- poor and oppressing the weak, `Is' a sweeping rain, and there is no bread.
4 Those forsaking the law praise the wicked, Those keeping the law plead against them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment, And those seeking Jehovah understand all.
6 Better `is' the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse of ways who is rich.
7 Whoso is keeping the law is an intelligent son, And a friend of gluttons, Doth cause his father to blush.
8 Whoso is multiplying his wealth by biting and usury, For one favouring the poor doth gather it.
9 Whoso is turning his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer `is' an abomination.
10 Whoso is causing the upright to err in an evil way, Into his own pit he doth fall, And the perfect do inherit good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, And the intelligent poor searcheth him.
12 In the exulting of the righteous the glory `is' abundant, And in the rising of the wicked man is apprehensive.
13 Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not, And he who is confessing and forsaking hath mercy.
14 O the happiness of a man fearing continually, And whoso is hardening his heart falleth into evil.
15 A growling lion, and a ranging bear, `Is' the wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days.
17 A man oppressed with the blood of a soul, Unto the pit fleeth, none taketh hold on him.
18 Whoso is walking uprightly is saved, And the perverted of ways falleth at once.
19 Whoso is tilling his ground is satisfied `with' bread, And whoso is pursuing vanity, Is filled `with' poverty.
20 A stedfast man hath multiplied blessings, And whoso is hasting to be rich is not acquitted.
21 To discern faces is not good, And for a piece of bread doth a man transgress.
22 Troubled for wealth `is' the man `with' an evil eye, And he knoweth not that want doth meet him.
23 Whoso is reproving a man afterwards findeth grace, More than a flatterer with the tongue.
24 Whoso is robbing his father, or his mother, And is saying, `It is not transgression,' A companion he is to a destroyer.
25 Whoso is proud in soul stirreth up contention, And whoso is trusting on Jehovah is made fat.
26 Whoso is trusting in his heart is a fool, And whoso is walking in wisdom is delivered.
27 Whoso is giving to the poor hath no lack, And whoso is hiding his eyes multiplied curses.
28 In the rising of the wicked a man is hidden, And in their destruction the righteous multiply!
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding [and] of knowledge, [its] stability is prolonged.
3 A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is 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 Jehovah understand everything.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of profligates bringeth shame to his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, shall himself fall into his own pit; but the perfect shall inherit good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men conceal themselves.
13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall obtain mercy.
14 Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.
15 A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.
17 A man laden with the blood of [any] person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay him.
18 Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in [his] double ways, shall fall in one [of them].
19 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless shall have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man aboundeth with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21 To have respect of persons is not good; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.
22 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father and his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25 He that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon Jehovah shall be made fat.
26 He that confideth 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 withdraweth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; But the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, But order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A needy man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; But those who keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men don't understand justice; But those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, Than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; But he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest Gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9 He 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 will fall into his own trap; But the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, But whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who always fears; But one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, So is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; No one will support him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; But one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; But one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man is rich with blessings; But one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good; Yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 A stingy man hurries after riches, And doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than one who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.
25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; But one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; But one who walks in wisdom, he is kept safe.
27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; But one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous thrive.
1 The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
2 Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
3 A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
4 Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
5 Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
8 He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
9 As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
11 The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
12 When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
13 He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
14 Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
15 Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
16 The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
17 One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
18 He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
19 By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
20 A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
21 It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
22 He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
23 He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
24 He who takes from his father or his mother what is theirs by right, and says, It is no sin; is the same as a taker of life.
25 He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
26 He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
27 He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
28 When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 28
Commentary on Proverbs 28 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 28
Pr 28:1-28.
1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold (Pr 14:26; Ps 27:1).
2. Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each.
but by a man … prolonged—or, "by a man of understanding—that is, a good ruler—he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.
3. A poor man, &c.—Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.
4. They that forsake … wicked—Wrongdoers encourage one another.
5. (Compare Joh 7:17). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.
6. (Compare Pr 10:6). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.
7. (Compare Pr 17:25).
riotous men—or, "gluttons" (Pr 23:20, 21).
8. usury … unjust gain—(Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of wealth.
9. (Compare Pr 15:8; 21:27).
hearing—that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers (Ps 66:18; Joh 4:24).
10. (Compare Pr 26:27).
11. A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.
12. great glory—or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation (Pr 14:34).
a man … hidden—that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.
13. (Compare Ps 32:3-5). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Ps 51:4).
14. feareth—that is, God, and so repents.
hardeneth his heart—makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent (Pr 14:16; 29:1).
15. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Ps 7:2; 17:12).
16. The prince … understanding—that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.
17. doeth violence … blood, &c.—or, that is oppressed by the blood of life (Ge 9:6), which he has taken.
to the pit—the grave or destruction (Pr 1:12; Job 33:18-24; Ps 143:7).
stay him—sustain or deliver him.
18. (Compare Pr 10:9; 17:20). Double dealing is eventually fatal.
19. (Compare Pr 10:4; 20:4).
vain persons—idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked (Pr 12:11; Ps 26:4).
20. maketh haste … rich—implying deceit or fraud (Pr 20:21), and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.
21. respect of persons—(Pr 24:23). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.
22. (Compare Pr 28:20).
evil eye—in the general sense of Pr 23:6, here more specific for covetousness (compare Pr 22:9; Mt 20:15).
poverty … him—by God's providence.
23. (Compare Pr 9:8, 9; 27:5). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.
24. (Compare Mt 15:4-6). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.
25. of a proud heart—literally, "puffed up of soul"—that is, self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious.
made fat—or, "prosperous" (Pr 11:25; 16:20).
26. (Compare Pr 3:6-8).
walketh wisely—that is, trusting in God (Pr 22:17-19).
27. (Compare Pr 11:24-26).
hideth his eyes—as the face (Ps 27:9; 69:17), denotes inattention.
28. The elevation of the wicked to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare Pr 28:12; 11:10; Ps 12:8).