281 The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
2 Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
3 A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
4 Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
5 Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
6 Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
8 He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
9 As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10 Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
11 The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
12 When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
13 He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 28:1-13
Commentary on Proverbs 28:1
(Read Proverbs 28:1)
Sin makes men cowards. Whatever difficulties the righteous meet in the way of duty, they are not daunted.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:2
(Read Proverbs 28:2)
National sins disturb the public repose.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
(Read Proverbs 28:3)
If needy persons get opportunities of oppressing, their extortion will be more severe than that of the more wealthy.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:4
(Read Proverbs 28:4)
Wicked people strengthen one another in wicked ways.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
(Read Proverbs 28:5)
If a man seeks the Lord, it is a good sign that he understands much, and it is a good means of understanding more.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
(Read Proverbs 28:6)
An honest, godly, poor man, is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; has more comfort in himself, and is a greater blessing to the world.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:7
(Read Proverbs 28:7)
Companions of riotous men not only grieve their parents, but shame them.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
(Read Proverbs 28:8)
That which is ill got, though it may increase much, will not last long. Thus the poor are repaid, and God is glorified.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
(Read Proverbs 28:9)
The sinner at whose prayers God is angry, is one who obstinately refuses to obey God's commands.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:10
(Read Proverbs 28:10)
The success of ungodly men is their own misery.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
(Read Proverbs 28:11)
Rich men are so flattered, that they think themselves superior to others.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:12
(Read Proverbs 28:12)
There is glory in the land when the righteous have liberty.
Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
(Read Proverbs 28:13)
It is folly to indulge sin, and excuse it. He who covers his sins, shall not have any true peace. He who humbly confesses his sins, with true repentance and faith, shall find mercy from God. The Son of God is our great atonement. Under a deep sense of our guilt and danger, we may claim salvation from that mercy which reigns through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.