Commentary on Proverbs 28

(Pro. 28:1-28)

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

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.

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

They that forsake . . . wicked--Wrongdoers encourage one another.

(Compare Joh 7:17). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.

(Compare Pro 10:6). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.

(Compare Pro 17:25).

riotous men--or, "gluttons" (Pro 23:20-21).

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.

(Compare Pro 15:8; Pro 21:27).

hearing--that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers (Psa 66:18; Joh 4:24).

(Compare Pro 26:27).

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

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

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

(Compare Psa 32:3-5). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Psa 51:4).

feareth--that is, God, and so repents.

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

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

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

doeth violence . . . blood, &c.--or, that is oppressed by the blood of life (Gen 9:6), which he has taken.

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

stay him--sustain or deliver him.

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

(Compare Pro 10:4; Pro 20:4).

vain persons--idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked (Pro 12:11; Psa 26:4).

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

respect of persons-- (Pro 24:23). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.

(Compare Pro 28:20).

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

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

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

(Compare Mat 15:4-6). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.

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

made fat--or, "prosperous" (Pro 11:25; Pro 16:20).

(Compare Pro 3:6-8).

walketh wisely--that is, trusting in God (Pro 22:17-19).

(Compare Pro 11:24-26).

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

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

Next: Proverbs Chapter 29