Proverbs 28 - Words Of Wisdom Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Twenty Eight

Proverbs 28:1 (NASB) The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.

Benson has said, (The wicked flee) "Because a consciousness of their guilt excites in them a continual expectation and dread of God’s judgments; but the righteous are bold as a lion — Are courageous and resolute, having the testimony of a good conscience, and assurance of the divine favour and protection, and the supports and consolations of the Holy Ghost."

Proverbs 28:2 (NASB) By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.

For a government or a society to endure, it needs wise, informed leaders—and these are hard to find. Each person's selfishness quickly affects others. A selfish employee who steals from his company ruins its productivity. A selfish driver who drinks before taking the wheel makes the state highways unsafe. A selfish spouse who has an adulterous affair often breaks up several families. When people live for themselves with little concern for how their actions affect others, the resulting moral rot contaminates the entire nation. Are you part of the problem or the solution?

Proverbs 28:3 (NASB) A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

Poole has said, "When a poor man being advanced into a place of authority, abuseth it to oppress those that are poor and unable to resist him, he is like a violent rain or flood, which washeth away the very seeds which are in the earth, and spoileth the corn and fruits which are upon it. He is the worst of all oppressors, because as he is of a base mind, which also is made much worse by a sudden change and elevation into a high condition; so his own necessities inflame his desires, and make him greedy to take all, yea, even the small, advantages of enriching himself; which the ancients expressed by the similitude of an empty horseleech, which sucketh much more strongly than that which is already filled; and of a dry sponge, which licks up far more water than that which was wet before."

Proverbs 28:4 (NASB) Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.

Those who forsake the law praise those who break the law and have become wicked. They cry, "Look at their freedom. Look at them following their natural desires. Isn't that a great thing?" But here is the tension - those who strive to keep the law - strive with them. Where there is no law - lawlessness will abound.

Proverbs 28:5 (NASB) Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all things.

Because justice is part of God's character, a person who follows God treats others justly. Justice begins with concern for what is happening to others. A Christian cannot be indifferent to human suffering because God isn't. And we certainly must not contribute to human suffering through selfish business practices or unfair government policies. Be sure you are more concerned for justice than merely your own interests. You can't claim to follow God and ignore your neighbor.

Proverbs 28:6 (NASB) Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

Matthew Henry has said, "An honest, godly, poor man, is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; he has more comfort in himself, and is a greater blessing to the world."

Proverbs 28:7 (NASB) He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

You are known by the company you keep. Do you think that your behavior only affects you? Think again. It affects those who are around you and brings honor or shame to a person's family.

Proverbs 28:8 (NASB) He who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

John N. Norton has said, "When greed of gain has secured a lodgment in the heart, it imperiously demands satisfaction. ....... The rude robber stops his victim on the highway, and holds midnight revels on the spoil; and the cunning accountant defrauds his creditors, and rides in his carriage. Does a just God see much difference between them? Christian integrity will, in the end, always receive its merited reward. Instead of worldly maxims, based on low and unworthy principles, let the solemn question of our Lord keep us from evil ways—“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

Proverbs 28:9 (NASB) He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.