Proverbs 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).