281 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
3 A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.
5 Evil people don't understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely.
6 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
7 Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
8 Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
9 God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.
10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.
11 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive 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.