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Proverbs 28:15
Verse
Context
Sermons
Harriet N. Cook
George FoxSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
This general ethical proverb is now followed by one concerning the king: 15 A roaring lion and a ravening bear Is a foolish ruler over a poor people, i.e., a people without riches and possessions, without lasting sources of help - a people brought low by the events of war and by calamities. To such a people a tyrant is a twofold terror, like a ravenous monster. The lxx translate מושׁל רשׁע by ὃς τυραννεῖ πτωχὸς ὤν, as if רשׁ had been transferred to this place from Pro 28:3. But their translation of רשׁע, Pro 29:7, wavers between ἀσεβής and πτωχός, and of the bear they make a wolf זאב, dialectical דּיב. שׁוקק designates a bear as lingering about, running hither and thither, impelled by extreme hunger (Venet. ἐπιοῦσα), from שׁקק = שׁוּק, to drive, which is said of nimble running, as well as of urging impulses (cf. under Gen 3:16), viz., hunger.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psa 7:2; Psa 17:12).
John Gill Bible Commentary
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear,.... Which are both terrible; the lion that roars for want of food, or when it is over its prey; and the hear, when it runs from place to place in quest of provision, being "hungry and very desirous" of food, has a keen appetite, as some think the word (l) signifies. The Targum and Jarchi take it to be expressive of the cry and roaring it makes at such a time, as well as the lion; see Isa 59:11; so the Tigurine version. "Roaring" is the proper epithet of a lion, and is frequently given it in Scripture, and in other writers (m); and the bear, it is to have its name, in the Oriental language, from the growling and murmuring noise it makes when hungry; hence that of Horace (n); so is a wicked ruler over the poor people; one that rules over them in a tyrannical manner, sadly oppresses them, takes away the little from them they have, which is very cruel and barbarous; when he ought to protect and defend them, against whom they cannot stand, and whom they dare not resist; and who therefore must be as terrible to them, being as cruel and voracious as the above animals. Tyrants are frequently compared to lions, Jer 4:7; and the man of sin, the wicked ruler and great oppressor of God's poor people, is compared to both; his feet are as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion, Rev 13:2. (l) "avidus", Pagninus, Montanus; "famelicus", Castalio, Schultens; "esuriens", V. L. Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Bochart; "adpetens", Michaelis. (m) "Leo fremit", Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 8. c. 16. "Spumat aper, fluit unda, fremit leo, sibilat anguis"; Licentius de Protheo. (n) "Nec vespertinus circumgemit ursus ovile", Epod. Ode 16. v. 51.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
It is written indeed, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people; but if he be a wicked ruler, that oppresses the people, especially the poor people, robbing them of the little they have and making a prey of them, whatever we may call him, this scripture calls him a roaring lion and a ranging bear. 1. In respect of his character. He is brutish, barbarous, and blood-thirsty; he is rather to be put among the beasts of prey, the wildest and most savage, than to be reckoned of that noble rank of beings whose glory is reason and humanity. 2. In respect of the mischief he does to his subjects. He is dreadful as the roaring lion, who makes the forest tremble; he is devouring as a hungry bear, and the more necessitous he is the more mischief he does and the more greedy of gain he is.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:15 A wicked ruler will not help the poor because his rule is not just. Like a roaring lion or an attacking bear, he destroys their lives.
Proverbs 28:15
The Boldness of the Righteous
14Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Bear
By Harriet N. Cook01SA 17:342SA 17:82KI 2:23PRO 28:15HOS 13:8Harriet N. Cook emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion, drawing parallels between the behavior of bears and human interactions. She highlights the sacrificial love of a mother bear for her cubs, illustrating the depth of love and protection. Cook also delves into biblical references to bears, showcasing how the Bible writers understood and used animal behavior to convey spiritual lessons. Through stories like the one of David facing Goliath and the tragic fate of disrespectful children in 2 Kings, she underscores the consequences of dishonoring God and the importance of trusting in His deliverance in times of trouble.
The Character of a Ruler Over Men: Just, Ruling in the Fear of God; Found With Christ.
By John Gill0Righteous LeadershipChrist as King2SA 23:3PSA 72:1PRO 28:15ISA 9:6JER 23:5EZK 34:31MIC 5:2ZEC 9:9MAT 28:18REV 19:16John Gill emphasizes the essential qualities of a ruler over men, highlighting the need for justice and the fear of God in leadership. He explains that rulers should treat their subjects with kindness and righteousness, reflecting God's character, and warns against tyrannical governance that degrades humanity. Gill also points to the prophetic nature of these qualities, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies the perfect ruler—just, righteous, and ruling in the fear of God. He encourages believers to recognize Christ as their King and to submit to His authority, rejoicing in His just and loving rule.
Epistle 367
By George Fox0LeadershipRighteousnessEXO 23:6LEV 19:15DEU 1:16DEU 16:182SA 23:3PRO 28:15ZEC 8:16MAT 5:8MAT 5:20JHN 8:44ROM 13:3COL 3:5HEB 12:14JAS 3:17George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholiness leads to a lack of divine vision and peace, urging his listeners to embody truth, justice, and equity in their actions. Fox stresses the importance of just leadership, reminding that rulers must be righteous to guide their people effectively. He calls for a commitment to God's spirit to overcome wickedness and to ensure that all judgments are fair and just. Ultimately, he desires that all may act in humility and in the power of Christ, reflecting God's glory in their lives.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
This general ethical proverb is now followed by one concerning the king: 15 A roaring lion and a ravening bear Is a foolish ruler over a poor people, i.e., a people without riches and possessions, without lasting sources of help - a people brought low by the events of war and by calamities. To such a people a tyrant is a twofold terror, like a ravenous monster. The lxx translate מושׁל רשׁע by ὃς τυραννεῖ πτωχὸς ὤν, as if רשׁ had been transferred to this place from Pro 28:3. But their translation of רשׁע, Pro 29:7, wavers between ἀσεβής and πτωχός, and of the bear they make a wolf זאב, dialectical דּיב. שׁוקק designates a bear as lingering about, running hither and thither, impelled by extreme hunger (Venet. ἐπιοῦσα), from שׁקק = שׁוּק, to drive, which is said of nimble running, as well as of urging impulses (cf. under Gen 3:16), viz., hunger.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psa 7:2; Psa 17:12).
John Gill Bible Commentary
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear,.... Which are both terrible; the lion that roars for want of food, or when it is over its prey; and the hear, when it runs from place to place in quest of provision, being "hungry and very desirous" of food, has a keen appetite, as some think the word (l) signifies. The Targum and Jarchi take it to be expressive of the cry and roaring it makes at such a time, as well as the lion; see Isa 59:11; so the Tigurine version. "Roaring" is the proper epithet of a lion, and is frequently given it in Scripture, and in other writers (m); and the bear, it is to have its name, in the Oriental language, from the growling and murmuring noise it makes when hungry; hence that of Horace (n); so is a wicked ruler over the poor people; one that rules over them in a tyrannical manner, sadly oppresses them, takes away the little from them they have, which is very cruel and barbarous; when he ought to protect and defend them, against whom they cannot stand, and whom they dare not resist; and who therefore must be as terrible to them, being as cruel and voracious as the above animals. Tyrants are frequently compared to lions, Jer 4:7; and the man of sin, the wicked ruler and great oppressor of God's poor people, is compared to both; his feet are as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion, Rev 13:2. (l) "avidus", Pagninus, Montanus; "famelicus", Castalio, Schultens; "esuriens", V. L. Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Bochart; "adpetens", Michaelis. (m) "Leo fremit", Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 8. c. 16. "Spumat aper, fluit unda, fremit leo, sibilat anguis"; Licentius de Protheo. (n) "Nec vespertinus circumgemit ursus ovile", Epod. Ode 16. v. 51.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
It is written indeed, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people; but if he be a wicked ruler, that oppresses the people, especially the poor people, robbing them of the little they have and making a prey of them, whatever we may call him, this scripture calls him a roaring lion and a ranging bear. 1. In respect of his character. He is brutish, barbarous, and blood-thirsty; he is rather to be put among the beasts of prey, the wildest and most savage, than to be reckoned of that noble rank of beings whose glory is reason and humanity. 2. In respect of the mischief he does to his subjects. He is dreadful as the roaring lion, who makes the forest tremble; he is devouring as a hungry bear, and the more necessitous he is the more mischief he does and the more greedy of gain he is.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:15 A wicked ruler will not help the poor because his rule is not just. Like a roaring lion or an attacking bear, he destroys their lives.