Proverbs 28
BSB1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 2 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. 3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully. 6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse. 7 A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. 8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. 9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. 10 He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. 11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. 14 Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. 16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. 17 A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him. 18 He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. 19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. 22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. 23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. 24 He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys. 25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. 26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. 27 Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. 28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Proverbs 28
- Themes from Proverbs 28
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Proverbs 28
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 28 begins by describing the characteristics of the wicked, who are driven by fear and a lack of faith in God (Proverbs 28:1). In contrast, the righteous are confident and bold, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision (Proverbs 28:1). The chapter goes on to warn against the dangers of corruption, greed, and dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice (Proverbs 28:2-12). It also highlights the consequences of sin, including poverty, shame, and destruction (Proverbs 28:13-20). Ultimately, the chapter encourages readers to seek wisdom, fear God, and trust in His goodness and provision (Proverbs 28:21-28).
Context for the Chapter
Proverbs 28 is part of the larger book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wisdom sayings and teachings. The chapter is situated within the final section of the book, which emphasizes the importance of fearing God, seeking wisdom, and trusting in His goodness and provision. The chapter also connects to the broader biblical narrative, highlighting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, and the ultimate fulfillment of this contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to apply the teachings of Proverbs 28 to our lives, seeking wisdom, fearing God, and trusting in His goodness and provision. We must examine our hearts and lives, recognizing the dangers of corruption, greed, and dishonesty, and seeking to live with integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Proverbs 28 teaches us about the importance of fearing God, seeking wisdom, and trusting in His goodness and provision. The chapter highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the consequences of their respective choices. As believers, we are called to follow God's wisdom and live with integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice, as seen in Proverbs 28:1 and Proverbs 28:13.
Voices from the Church
“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and the fear of man is the beginning of folly.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The righteousness of God is not merely a matter of outward conformity to the law, but a transformation of the heart, which is wrought by the Spirit of God.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 28:1-5) — The chapter begins by describing the characteristics of the wicked, who are driven by fear and a lack of faith in God. In contrast, the righteous are confident and bold, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
- The Dangers of Corruption and Greed (Proverbs 28:6-12) — The chapter warns against the dangers of corruption, greed, and dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice.
- The Consequences of Sin (Proverbs 28:13-20) — The chapter highlights the consequences of sin, including poverty, shame, and destruction. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's goodness and provision.
- The Importance of Fearing God (Proverbs 28:21-25) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and provision.
- The Ultimate Contrast (Proverbs 28:26-28) — The chapter concludes by highlighting the ultimate contrast between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's goodness and provision.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Proverbs 28 emphasizes the sovereignty of God, highlighting the importance of trusting in His goodness and provision. This doctrine is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's sovereignty.
- The Importance of Fearing God
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. This doctrine is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's goodness.
- The Dangers of Sin
- Proverbs 28 warns against the dangers of sin, including corruption, greed, and dishonesty. This doctrine is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's goodness and provision.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Goodness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and provision, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. This doctrine is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's goodness.
Lessons from Proverbs 28
- The Importance of Fearing God — Proverbs 28 emphasizes the importance of fearing God, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. As believers, we must cultivate a healthy fear of God in our lives, recognizing His power and authority.
- The Dangers of Corruption and Greed — The chapter warns against the dangers of corruption, greed, and dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. As believers, we must be aware of these dangers and seek to live with integrity and humility.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Goodness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and provision, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. As believers, we must trust in God's goodness and provision, recognizing His love and care for us.
- The Consequences of Sin — Proverbs 28 highlights the consequences of sin, including poverty, shame, and destruction. As believers, we must recognize the dangers of sin and seek to live with wisdom and righteousness.
- The Ultimate Contrast — The chapter concludes by highlighting the ultimate contrast between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's goodness and provision. As believers, we must recognize this contrast and seek to live with wisdom and righteousness.
Themes from Proverbs 28
- The Sovereignty of God — Proverbs 28 emphasizes the sovereignty of God, highlighting the importance of trusting in His goodness and provision. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's sovereignty.
- The Importance of Fearing God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's goodness.
- The Dangers of Sin — Proverbs 28 warns against the dangers of sin, including corruption, greed, and dishonesty. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's goodness and provision.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Goodness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and provision, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's goodness.
- The Ultimate Contrast — The chapter concludes by highlighting the ultimate contrast between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's goodness and provision. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the need for wisdom and righteousness.
Questions for Meditation
- What are the characteristics of the wicked, and how do they differ from the righteous?
- What are the dangers of corruption, greed, and dishonesty, and how can we avoid them?
- What is the importance of fearing God, and how can we cultivate a healthy fear of God in our lives?
- What are the consequences of sin, and how can we seek wisdom and trust in God's goodness and provision?
- How can we apply the teachings of Proverbs 28 to our lives, seeking wisdom, fearing God, and trusting in His goodness and provision?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 28:1-5)
| Proverbs 28:1 | The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
| Proverbs 28:2 | When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable man, there is stability. |
| Proverbs 28:3 | A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. |
| Proverbs 28:4 | Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. |
| Proverbs 28:5 | Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully. |
2. The Dangers of Corruption and Greed (Proverbs 28:6-12)
| Proverbs 28:6 | Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. |
| Proverbs 28:7 | He who keeps the law is a son who is wise, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. |
| Proverbs 28:8 | He who increases his wealth by interest and usury gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. |
| Proverbs 28:9 | He who turns his ear away from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination. |
| Proverbs 28:10 | He who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good. |
| Proverbs 28:11 | A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding sees through him. |
| Proverbs 28:12 | When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. |
3. The Consequences of Sin (Proverbs 28:13-20)
| Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. |
| Proverbs 28:14 | How blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. |
| Proverbs 28:15 | Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. |
| Proverbs 28:16 | A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. |
| Proverbs 28:17 | A man who is burdened with the guilt of human bloodshed will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him. |
| Proverbs 28:18 | He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but he who is crooked will fall all at once. |
| Proverbs 28:19 | He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty. |
| Proverbs 28:20 | A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished. |
4. The Importance of Fearing God (Proverbs 28:21-25)
| Proverbs 28:21 | To show partiality is not good, because even a piece of bread can be bought with a man's life. |
| Proverbs 28:22 | A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him. |
| Proverbs 28:23 | He who rebukes a man will in the end find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue. |
| Proverbs 28:24 | He who robs his father or his mother and says, 'It is not a transgression,' is the companion of a man who destroys. |
| Proverbs 28:25 | An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. |
5. The Ultimate Contrast (Proverbs 28:26-28)
| Proverbs 28:26 | He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered. |
| Proverbs 28:27 | He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses. |
| Proverbs 28:28 | When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Proverbs 28?
The main theme of Proverbs 28 is the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the consequences of their respective choices. As seen in Proverbs 28:1, the righteous are confident and bold, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, while the wicked are driven by fear and a lack of faith.
What are the dangers of corruption and greed?
The dangers of corruption and greed are highlighted in Proverbs 28:6-12, emphasizing the importance of integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. As seen in Proverbs 28:8, those who increase their wealth by interest and usury gather it for him who is gracious to the poor.
What is the importance of fearing God?
The importance of fearing God is emphasized in Proverbs 28:14, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. As seen in Proverbs 28:14, how blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:1 → Psalm 37:37 | The righteous are confident and bold, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, while the wicked are driven by fear and a lack of faith. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:6 → Matthew 6:24 | No one can serve two masters; either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:10 → Psalm 7:15 | He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:13 → 1 John 1:9 | If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:14 → Psalm 112:1 | How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments. |
| 6 | Proverbs 28:18 → Isaiah 40:31 | He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but he who is crooked will fall all at once. |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:20 → Proverbs 10:2 | Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. |
| 8 | Proverbs 28:25 → James 4:6 | But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' |
| 9 | Proverbs 28:26 → Proverbs 3:5 | Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. |
| 10 | Proverbs 28:28 → Psalm 37:9 | For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who wait for the Lord will inherit the land. |
Sermons on Proverbs 28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea |
|
|
A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and |
|
Dependable Priest by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds t |
|
The Power of Prayer by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer leading to action. He highlights the need for conviction to be carried into life and for decisions to be made based |
|
The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasize |
|
|
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not lusting after evil things, drawing from the example of the Israelites in the Bible. He explains that their story serve |
|
The Plague of the Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of sin and its stealthy nature. He highlights the fact that many people refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in their hearts. |
|
Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie |
|
|
How to Have a Personal Revival by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal revival. He encourages listeners to set their faces like flint, meaning to have a determined and unwaver |
|
Three Priorities for Revival by Lou Sutera | The video discussed the three priorities for revival. The first priority is to recognize that revival itself must be a priority and that there is no other hope. The second priority |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs 28
In Proverbs 28, we see the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being confident and bold, and the wicked being driven by fear and a lack of faith. The chapter warns against the dangers of corruption, greed, and dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. We are reminded of the importance of fearing God, and the consequences of rejecting His sovereignty and provision. Ultimately, the chapter encourages us to trust in God's goodness and provision, and to seek wisdom and righteousness. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and the fear of man is the beginning of folly.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Fearing God
Proverbs 28 emphasizes the importance of fearing God, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty and provision. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's goodness.
The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
The chapter presents a stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the characteristics and consequences of each. This contrast is repeated throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of choosing wisdom and righteousness.
The Dangers of Corruption and Greed
Proverbs 28 warns against the dangers of corruption, greed, and dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, highlighting the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.