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Proverbs Chapter 28

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry 28 Verses

What is Proverbs 28 about?

Practical wisdom for daily life, family, work, and worship, all rooted in the fear of the LORD. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
3A needy man that oppresseth the poor Is [like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.
5Evil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.
6Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in [his] ways, though he be rich.
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.
8He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
10Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
14Happy 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.
16The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; [But] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; But he that is perverse in [his] ways shall fall at once.
19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.
20A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
21To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
22he that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
23He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor Than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, The same is the companion of a destroyer.
25He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
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What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth, etc.] Through the terrors of a guilty conscience, as in Cain and others; who fear where no immediate cause of fear is, are frightened with their own shadows; and as Gaal was with the shadow of the mountains, he took for an army of men, as his friend told him, (<070936>Judges 9:36); they are chased with the sound of a shaken leaf, and fancy men are at their heels to destroy them, and therefore with all haste flee to some place of safety; (see <032617>Leviticus 26:17,36) (<052807>Deuteronomy 28:7,25); but the righteous are bold as a lion; which turns not away from any creature…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“(Pro. 28:1-28) A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold (Pro 14:26; Psa 27:1).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 2
“Transgression - Better, rebellion. A revolt against a ruler leads to rapid changes of dynasty (the whole history of the kingdom of Israel was a proof of this), but “with men of understanding and knowledge thus shall he (the prince) continue.” True wisdom will lead people to maintain an existing order. The King James Version implies that political disorders may come as the punishment of any national sin. The state - Better, it (the land) shall surely prolong its days in stability. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 2
“But - By a wise and good prince. Proverbs 28:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“28:1 The wicked experience God’s curse for breaking his covenant (see Lev 26:14-17, 36-37).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“wicked: Lev 26:17, Lev 26:36; Deu 28:7, Deu 28:25; Kg2 7:6, Kg2 7:7, Kg2 7:15; Psa 53:5; Isa 7:2; Jer 20:4 the righteous: Exo 11:8; Psa 27:1, Psa 27:2, Psa 46:2, Psa 46:3, Psa 112:7; Isa 26:3, Isa 26:4; Dan 3:16-18, Dan 6:10, Dan 6:11; Act 4:13, Act 14:3; Th1 2:2 Proverbs 28:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · on verse 1
“1 The godless flee without any one pursuing them; But the righteous are bold like a lion. We would misinterpret the sequence of the accents if we supposed that it denoted רשׁע as obj.; it by no means takes ואין־רדף as a parenthesis. רשׁע belongs thus to נסוּ as collective sing. (cf. e.g., Isa 16:4); (Note: The Targum of Pro 28:1 is, in Bereschith rabba, c. 84, ערק רשּׁיעא ולא רריפין להּ; that lying before us is formed after the Peshito.) in 1b, יבטח, as comprehensive or distributive (individualizing) singular, follows the plur. subject. One cannot, because the word is vocalized כּכפיר and not כּכּפיר, regard יבטח…”
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