CHAPTER 28

Proverbs 28:1-28 .

1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold ( Proverbs 14:26 , Psalms 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 John 7:17 ). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.

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

7. (Compare Proverbs 17:25 ).
riotous men--or, "gluttons" ( Proverbs 23:20 Proverbs 23:21 ).

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 Proverbs 15:8 , 21:27 ).
hearing--that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers ( Psalms 66:18 , John 4:24 ).

10. (Compare Proverbs 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 ( Proverbs 14:34 ).
a man . . . hidden--that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.

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

14. feareth--that is, God, and so repents.
hardeneth his heart--makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent ( Proverbs 14:16 , 29:1 ).

15. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psalms 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 ( Genesis 9:6 ), which he has taken.
to the pit--the grave or destruction ( Proverbs 1:12 , Job 33:18-24 , Psalms 143:7 ).
stay him--sustain or deliver him.

18. (Compare Proverbs 10:9 , 17:20 ). Double dealing is eventually fatal.

19. (Compare Proverbs 10:4 , 20:4 ).
vain persons--idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked ( Proverbs 12:11 , Psalms 26:4 ).

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

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

22. (Compare Proverbs 28:20 ).
evil eye--in the general sense of Proverbs 23:6 , here more specific for covetousness (compare Proverbs 22:9 , Matthew 20:15 ).
poverty . . . him--by God's providence.

23. (Compare Proverbs 9:8 Proverbs 9:9 , 27:5 ). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.

24. (Compare Matthew 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" ( Proverbs 11:25 , 16:20 ).

26. (Compare Proverbs 3:6-8 ).
walketh wisely--that is, trusting in God ( Proverbs 22:17-19 ).

27. (Compare Proverbs 11:24-26 ).
hideth his eyes--as the face ( Psalms 27:9 , 69:17 ), denotes inattention.

28. The elevation of the wicked to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare Proverbs 28:12 , Proverbs 11:10 , Psalms 12:8 ).