Proverbs 28:5
Proverbs 28:5 in Multiple Translations
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Evil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
Wicked men vnderstand not iudgemnt: but they that seeke the Lord vnderstand all things.
Evil men understand not judgment, And those seeking Jehovah understand all.
Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things .
Evil men think not on judgment: but they that seek after the Lord, take notice of all things.
Evil people do not understand what it means to act justly, but those who try to obey/worship Yahweh understand that very well.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 28:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַנְשֵׁי
רָ֭ע
לֹא
יָבִ֣ינוּ
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
וּ/מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
יָבִ֥ינוּ
כֹֽל
אַנְשֵׁי
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
רָ֭ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָבִ֣ינוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
וּ/מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Conj | V-Piel
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יָבִ֥ינוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כֹֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:5
אַנְשֵׁי
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
רָ֭ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָבִ֣ינוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וּ/מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Conj | V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יָבִ֥ינוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
כֹֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:5
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:5
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
6Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse. 7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 92:6 | A senseless man does not know, and a fool does not understand, |
| 2 | James 1:5 | Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. |
| 3 | 1 John 2:27 | And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. |
| 4 | 1 John 2:20 | You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. |
| 5 | John 7:17 | If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. |
| 6 | Mark 4:10–13 | As soon as Jesus was alone with the Twelve and those around Him, they asked Him about the parable. He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’ ” Then Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? |
| 7 | Psalms 25:14 | The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 2:14–15 | The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:100 | I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. |
Proverbs 28:5 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 28:5, tells us that people who are evil or wicked do not truly understand what is right and wrong, but those who seek a relationship with God and study His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:160, can gain a deep understanding of justice and live a life that honors Him. Seeking God is key to understanding justice, as described in Proverbs 28:5, because His Word is the ultimate standard of truth and righteousness, guiding us in discerning right from wrong, as seen in Psalm 89:14. By following God's principles, as seen in Proverbs 28:5 and Micah 6:8, we can make informed decisions and live a life that is pleasing to Him, and this is possible when we seek the LORD and study His Word, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for evil men to not understand justice?
This verse suggests that those who are wicked or sinful have a distorted view of what is right and wrong, as seen in Proverbs 28:5, and are unable to discern true justice, which is rooted in God's character, as described in Psalm 89:14.
How can those who seek the LORD comprehend justice fully?
According to Proverbs 28:5, seeking the LORD is key to understanding justice, and this is because God's Word, as seen in Psalm 119:160, is the ultimate standard of truth and righteousness, guiding us in discerning right from wrong.
Is this verse saying that only believers can understand justice?
While Proverbs 28:5 does emphasize the importance of seeking the LORD to comprehend justice, it does not necessarily mean that only believers can understand justice, but rather that a genuine relationship with God, as described in Jeremiah 9:24, is essential for a deep and true understanding of justice.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
By seeking the LORD and studying His Word, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:15, you can gain a deeper understanding of justice and make informed decisions that align with God's will, as seen in Proverbs 28:5, and live a life that honors Him, as described in Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be misunderstanding or misapplying justice, and how can I seek God's guidance to correct this?
- In what ways can I seek the LORD and deepen my understanding of His justice, as described in Proverbs 28:5?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with God's call to love and mercy, as seen in Matthew 5:7 and Proverbs 28:5?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principles of justice and righteousness in my relationships and community, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:5 and Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:5
Evil men understand not judgment,.... Or, "men of wickedness" (b); that are under the governing power of it; who are given up and give up themselves unto it; who, like Ahab, sell themselves to work
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:5
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Judgment - justice.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
Understand not, because their minds are naturally blind, and are further blinded by their own prejudices and passions, and by the god of this world, who rules in and over them. Judgment, i.e. what is just and right; what is their duty in all cases and conditions, as judgment is frequently understood. That seek the Lord, by diligent study of his word, and by fervent prayers to him for advice. All things which are necessary to be known by them, either for the discharge of all their present duties to God and men, or for their everlasting happiness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things].Ver. 5. Evil men understand not judgment.] They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge: their wits work not that way; they are bard and brutish as "horse and mule." Yea, they fall beneath the stirrup of reason, and know not their owner, which yet the ox and ass doth; no wiser at seventy years old than at seven. Ut liberius peccent, libenter ignorant, not willing to know what they are not minded to practise. But they that seek the Lord understand all things.] Not all that is possible to be known, as Averroes saith Aristotle did; as the Civilians say their Baldus did; as the Papists say Tostatus did; but they understand all things needful to salvation, and they often meditate on the last judgment. De Baldo dicere solebant nihil unquam eum ignorasse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
(5) Evil men understand not judgment.—Or, what is right. For God reveals Himself only to those who fear Him (Psalms 25:14, comp. 1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 John 2:20); they, by following the light they have, are “guided into all truth” (John 16:13); the evil, by continually shutting their eyes to the light, at last can not see it, even if they would (John 12:39, sqq.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
Verse 5. They that seek the Lord understand all things.] They are wise unto salvation; they "have the unction from the Holy One, and they know all things," 1 John 2:20, every thing that is essentially needful for them to know, in reference to both worlds.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:5
5. The intellectual condition depends upon the moral and spiritual. “Obedience is the organ of spiritual knowledge.” Comp. John 7:17.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:5
The deep interdependence of morality and intellect. We have a right judgment in all things in proportion as our hearts seek to know God. Compare James 1:23-24.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:5
5. Judgment — Justice, or the principle of rectitude. Understand not — Have no proper sense or appreciation of it. All things — Every thing pertaining to the subject.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa |
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Deeper Waters - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He ar |
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Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the nee |
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Book of James by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful c |
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The Danger of Pharisaism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke chapter twelve, verse forty-five, which talks about a slave who becomes abusive towards other slaves because he believes his master wil |
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Jude #8 - Lessons and Conclusions by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a three-dimensional image and its analogy to the word of God. He explains that a hologram, with its ability to be viewed from d |