The Linked Word Project

Introduction to chapter 28

(Pro. 28:1-28)

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

Proverbs 28:2

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.

Proverbs 28:3

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

Proverbs 28:4

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

Proverbs 28:5

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

Proverbs 28:6

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

Proverbs 28:7

(Compare Pro 17:25).

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

Proverbs 28:8

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.

Proverbs 28:9

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

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

Proverbs 28:10

(Compare Pro 26:27).

Proverbs 28:11

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

Proverbs 28:12

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.

Proverbs 28:13

(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).

Proverbs 28:14

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).

Proverbs 28:15

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

Proverbs 28:16

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

Proverbs 28:17

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.

Proverbs 28:18

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

Proverbs 28:19

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

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

Proverbs 28:20

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

Proverbs 28:21

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

Proverbs 28:22

(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.

Proverbs 28:23

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

Proverbs 28:24

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

Proverbs 28:25

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).

Proverbs 28:26

(Compare Pro 3:6-8).

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

Proverbs 28:27

(Compare Pro 11:24-26).

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

Proverbs 28:28

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