Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 28

Introduction

CHAPTER 28

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Verse 1

1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold (Proverbs 14:26; Psalms 27:1).

Verse 2

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.

Verse 3

3. A poor man, &c.—Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.

Verse 4

4. They that forsake . . . wicked—Wrongdoers encourage one another.

Verse 5

5. (Compare :-). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.

Verse 6

6. (Compare :-). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.

Verse 7

7. (Compare :-).

riotous men—or, "gluttons" (Proverbs 23:20; Proverbs 23:21).

Verse 8

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.

Verse 9

9. (Compare Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 21:27).

hearing—that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers (Psalms 66:18; John 4:24).

Verse 10

10. (Compare :-).

Verse 11

11. A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.

Verse 12

12. great glory—or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34).

a man . . . hidden—that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.

Verse 13

13. (Compare :-). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent ( :-).

Verse 14

14. feareth—that is, God, and so repents.

hardeneth his heart—makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent (Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 29:1).

Verse 15

15. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psalms 7:2; Psalms 17:12).

Verse 16

16. The prince . . . understanding—that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.

Verse 17

17. doeth violence . . . blood, c.—or, that is oppressed by the blood of life ( :-), which he has taken.

to the pit—the grave or destruction (Proverbs 1:12 Job 33:18-24; Psalms 143:7).

stay him—sustain or deliver him.

Verse 18

18. (Compare Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 17:20). Double dealing is eventually fatal.

Verse 19

19. (Compare Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 20:4).

vain persons—idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked (Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 26:4).

Verse 20

20. maketh haste . . . rich—implying deceit or fraud (Proverbs 20:21), and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.

Verse 21

21. respect of persons— ( :-). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.

Verse 22

22. (Compare :-).

evil eye—in the general sense of Proverbs 23:6, here more specific for covetousness (compare Proverbs 22:9; Matthew 20:15).

poverty . . . him—by God's providence.

Verse 23

23. (Compare Proverbs 9:8; Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 27:5). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.

Verse 24

24. (Compare :-). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.

Verse 25

25. of a proud heart—literally, "puffed up of soul"—that is, self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious.

made fat—or, "prosperous" (Proverbs 11:25; Proverbs 16:20).

Verse 26

26. (Compare :-).

walketh wisely—that is, trusting in God ( :-).

Verse 27

27. (Compare :-).

hideth his eyes—as the face (Psalms 27:9; Psalms 69:17), denotes inattention.

Verse 28

28. The elevation of the wicked to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare Proverbs 28:12; Proverbs 11:10; Psalms 12:8).