Proverbs 28:1-28 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

Second Division, Proverbs 28 f. In general character this division resembles Section II., consisting chiefly of antithetic couplets.

Proverbs 28:2 b. The text is uncertain, and various renderings are possible. The translation state is very doubtful. If MT be retained, connect the word for state with the preceding, and translate by men of understanding who know what is right it is prolonged. LXX reads Through the sin of the ungodly disputes arise, but a prudent man quenches them, possibly the original text.

Proverbs 28:3. A needy man: so MT, but the thought is not in keeping with the conception of the poor in Pr. or in the OT. We should probably read a wicked man who, etc. (LXX), or possibly a rich man who, etc. The simile seems to be that of a heavy unseasonable rain which floods and destroys the crops.

Proverbs 28:12. cf. Proverbs 28:10 f. hide themselves: lit. (cf. mg.) are sought out (cf. Proverbs 28:28).

Proverbs 28:13. The ethical conditions of forgiveness are noteworthy, and reflect the standpoint of the prophetic teaching (cf. Hosea 14:2-4; Isaiah 1:16-18; Psalms 32:5; Matthew 21:31 f.).

Proverbs 28:16. The prince: perhaps a gloss due to a mistaken connexion with Proverbs 28:15.

Proverbs 28:17. Corrupt. Lit. A man oppressed by the blood of any person will flee to pit, do not lay hold of him, which yields no sense. LXX has he that is surety for a man charged with murder shall be a fugitive without safety. There is possibly some reference to the ancient law of the blood feud.

Proverbs 28:18. at once: impossible. The change of one letter gives into the pit.

Proverbs 28:19. cf. Proverbs 12:11.

Related Commentaries of Proverbs 28:1

Proverbs 28:1-28

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companiona of riotous men shameth his father.

8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.b

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.c

21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22 He that hastethd to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.e

25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.