281 The wicked flee when no one pursues;
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers,
but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A needy man who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked;
but those who keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men don’t understand justice;
but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity,
than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 28:1-6
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.