Proverbs 28

King James Version

Full text for Proverbs Chapter 28

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.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Proverbs 28 sharply contrasts the righteous and the wicked, detailing their distinct characteristics and ultimate fates. It emphasizes that the wicked are inherently fearful and unstable, while the righteous are bold and secure. The chapter underscores the importance of obeying God's law, confessing sins, and practicing justice and charity, warning against oppression, greed, and pride as paths to ruin.

Medium Summary

This chapter delineates the stark differences between the righteous and the wicked, asserting that the wicked flee without pursuit, while the righteous are bold as a lion. It addresses the impact of leadership, stating that a land's transgression leads to many unstable rulers, but understanding prolongs stability. The text condemns oppression, especially by the poor against the poor, and warns against those who forsake the law, whose prayers become an abomination. It extols diligence, faithfulness, and generosity to the poor, promising blessings and prosperity. Conversely, it cautions against greed, pride, flattery, and trusting in one's own heart, linking these to poverty, strife, and destruction. Ultimately, the chapter teaches that confessing and forsaking sins leads to mercy, while a hardened heart invites mischief.

Long Summary

Proverbs 28 opens by contrasting the inherent fear of the wicked, who flee without pursuit, with the unwavering boldness of the righteous, likened to a lion. It then addresses governance, noting that a land's widespread transgression results in numerous unstable rulers, whereas a leader of understanding and knowledge ensures the state's longevity. The chapter condemns various forms of injustice, such as a poor man oppressing the poor, which is likened to a destructive rain, and highlights the moral divide between those who forsake the law and praise the wicked, and those who keep it and contend with them. True understanding of judgment is attributed to those who seek the LORD, not to evil men. The text values uprightness over wealth, asserting that a poor man walking in integrity is superior to a rich man perverse in his ways. It warns against unjust gain through usury, stating such wealth will ultimately benefit those who pity the poor, and declares that turning away from the law makes even prayer an abomination. Consequences are clear: leading the righteous astray leads to one's own downfall, while the upright prosper. The chapter further explores the nature of wisdom, distinguishing between the rich man's self-conceit and the discerning poor man's insight. It emphasizes that confession and forsaking sins lead to mercy, whereas covering them prevents prosperity, and that a heart hardened against fear will fall into mischief. Wicked rulers are depicted as destructive as roaring lions, while princes who lack understanding are oppressors; those who hate covetousness are promised prolonged days. Diligence in work, faithfulness, and generosity to the poor are praised, leading to plenty and blessings, while haste to be rich, following vain persons, and hiding one's eyes from the poor are condemned, leading to poverty and curses. Finally, the chapter reiterates that trusting in one's own heart is foolish, but walking wisely brings deliverance, and that the rise of the wicked causes men to hide, while their demise brings an increase of the righteous.

Core Concepts

  • Righteousness and WickednessThe chapter consistently contrasts the characteristics and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, depicting the former as bold, blessed, and prosperous, and the latter as fearful, destructive, and destined for ruin.
  • Governance and LeadershipProverbs 28 discusses the impact of rulers, noting that corrupt leadership arises from national transgression, while wise and understanding leaders bring stability. Wicked rulers are depicted as oppressive, like predatory animals, causing people to hide.
  • Consequences of ActionsThe text strongly emphasizes that actions have direct consequences, whether positive or negative. Confessing sins leads to mercy, diligence to plenty, and charity to blessings, while greed, oppression, and forsaking the law lead to poverty, destruction, and divine disapproval.
  • The Law and Divine UnderstandingObedience to God's law is presented as a path to wisdom and understanding, enabling one to discern judgment. Conversely, ignoring the law renders even prayer an abomination and leads to a lack of true insight.
  • Wealth and IntegrityThe chapter frequently contrasts wealth with integrity, asserting that uprightness is more valuable than riches obtained through perverse means. It warns against the dangers of greed and haste to be rich, which often lead to injustice and eventual poverty.
  • Trust and HumilityTrusting in the LORD is presented as the path to prosperity and deliverance, while trusting in one's own heart is deemed foolish. Humility, particularly in acknowledging and forsaking one's sins, is key to receiving mercy.