PROVERBS Chapter 28
Where There Is No Fear 28:1 “The straightforward man, like the lion, has no need to look over his shoulder. What is at his heels is not his past (Numbers 32:23) but his rearguard: God’s goodness and mercy (Psalm 23:6)” (Kidner p. 168). Compare with Leviticus 26:17. Note the insight into human psychology. One cannot completely run away from their conscience, even the wicked, in the back of their minds have a fear of judgment. Unfaithful people know that their deeds are going to catch up to them. Now, does this sound like freedom? The wicked are suspicious and fearful, in contrast, the righteous can have the confidence to live righteously under God’s providential care. “A guilty conscience and awareness that many enemies have been made leaves the wicked person perpetually anxious and paranoid” (Garrett p. 221).
The Scramble For Power 28:2 “In just over two centuries, northern Israel, for its sins, had nine dynasties, each, after the first, inaugurated by an assassination. In three and a half centuries, Judah, for David’s sake, had only one” (Kidner pp. 168-169). People generally get the governments that they deserve! Sin can never be viewed as simply a private matter. When the people in a nation become morally corrupt, they have unjustly undermined the stability of the nation in which they live. Our society seems to think that moral confusion is a sign of enlightenment and better times ahead, but the opposite is true.
Unnatural Tyrant
28:3 The tyranny in this verse has a double bitterness, for the tyrant was once a poor man, one who should have had compassion on the downtrodden, one who should have fought for the rights of the common man. Such tyranny is “well compared with the calamity of the freakish rain that brings havoc instead of blessing” (Kidner p. 169). How sad when people don’t learn from hardship! How easily people forget what it was like to be in difficult circumstances. “One would expect a poor man to have sympathy for others who are impoverished” (Gaebelein p. 1102). Such a man is very shortsighted: The poor are typically those who do the bulk of the manual labor in a society, and if they cease from the land, so does the prosperity of the nation. Secondly, having been poor himself, these people would certainly look up to him as a hero, and they would fight for him until the end, if he would only show them some compassion.
Moral Relativity 28:4 “Without revelation, all is soon relative; and with moral relativity, nothing quite merits attack. So, the tyrant is accepted because he gets things done; and the pervert, because his condition is interesting” (Kidner p. 169). We aren’t left wondering what a culture has to look forward to when the law of God is spurned or ignored, just read Romans 1:18-32 or 2 Timothy 3:2ff. “One’s attitude toward the law will determine one’s evaluation of people and thus one’s choice of companions” (Garrett p. 223). What would happen if we decided to stop being Christians? This verse gives us one consequence. We would lose the ability to discern right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14). Just look at how many people in our society are praising the wicked! Striving with the wicked includes the ideas of challenging, rebuking and calling upon such men and women to repent (1 Kings 18:21; 22:8; Malachi 3:5-9; Matthew 3:7; Acts 17:16-17; Ephesians 5:11). Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life”.
God’s Law Is Man’s Light 28:5 Compare with Psalm 119:97-105; John 7:17. The godly person is truly the only person who can truly comprehend justice. “Only people attuned to the divine will can fully perceive what justice is. Without that standard, legal activity can easily become self-serving…there are always those who believe justice is that which benefits them---otherwise it is not justice” (Gaebelein p. 1103). Isn’t this last statement especially true concerning those who argue for abortion “rights”, when it appears that they are so concerned about their own self-interest that they completely ignore the rights of the child? “The term ‘justice’ here is
more than just a legal term; it suggests moral and religious standards as well” (Alden p. 195). Hence, Christians shouldn’t be surprised that the arguments made by unbelievers are neither logical or at times even honest. If you we weren’t serving God, we would be just as blind to moral and spiritual truth (2 Thess. 2:10-12).
How Much Is He Worth? 28:6 Honest poverty is better than dishonest wealth (even though many people are determined to prove that this proverb has it backwards). Be impressed that a poor man can have integrity. One’s economic or social status has nothing to do with one’s ability to be moral. Christianity isn’t merely a moral standard for the middle class. “Biblical wisdom does not assume that virtue is always monetarily rewarded. Verse 6b could be translated, ‘Than he who perverts (the) two ways, although he be rich.’ If this alludes to the doctrine of the two ways, the point is that the evil call the good way bad and the bad way good” (Garrett p. 223). God doesn’t believe that a lack of money or education means that one is justified in being immoral.
A Son To Be Proud Of 28:7 “This distills the essence of the eloquent 23:19-25” (Kidner p. 169). Keeping the law includes keeping the right company. “Gluttons as companions represent a poor choice, equated with drunkards, sluggards, and fools who become poor through laziness coupled with expensive tastes. The son who hangs around people like that soon becomes like them” (Alden p. 195). My foolishness can really in turn hurt my parents. It is naïve to argue that “I am only hurting myself”, or even the more selfish, “but my parents know that I really do love them, even though I have rejected what they taught me”. A wise child will try to bring honor to their parents. Sadly, the idea of shaming our parents is a concept that seems to have been forgotten in our society.
The Extortioner’s Estate 28:8 Wealth gained through unjust means, such as charging high interest rates or taking advantage of the poor will eventually fall into the hands of generous
people. “The process, if usually slow, is as sure as the promise. The meek shall inherit the earth” (Kidner p. 170). In some circumstances the charging of interest was appropriate (Deuteronomy 23:20), but not to one’s own brethren (23:19). “Was pronounced improper in terms of family care, as if a doctor should charge for treating his own children” (Kidner p. 170). This verse reveals the principal means of oppression of the poor by the wealthy—making loans and charging high interest rates.
Prayer As An Insult 28:9 “So much for religious exercises as a sop to conscience” (Kidner p. 170). Compare with 15:8. Those who spurn the law will lose the companionship of God, as indicated by his rejection of their prayers. If we don’t listen to God then He won’t listen to us. Note, such prayers are not merely ignored by God, they are actually an insult to God. He is disgusted by such hypocritical appeals (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2). In addition, a person who doesn’t obey God simply cannot ask what is in accordance with His will. “He will pray for some physical thing, perhaps even making demands on God” (Gaebelein p. 1105).
Corruption Of Others 28:10 “This attracted some of Christ’s strongest words (Matthew 5:19; 18:6; 23:15). Its motivation varies: hatred of a high standard (Amos 2:12); pride in one’s opinions (Colossians 2:18); a desire to dominate (2 Timothy 3:6). What is constant is the readiness to use other people as a means to one’s own ends (2 Peter 2:15,18)” (Kidner p. 170). Note that the upright can be lead astray! Doing evil is bad enough, but tricking others into doing it is even worse. This book enables us to keep our sanity. Evil men who deceive others cannot help but deceive themselves in the process. The drug dealer, dealer in pornography, false teacher, etc…will end up trapped! One cannot deal in sin and yet remain untouched by it. Compare with Romans 1:32.
I See Very Clearly 28:11 The rich man in this verse is the arrogant “know-it-all”. But a poor man without any physical status or advantages, can with godly wisdom see through such an individual. “How well do we see through the facades of people who are rich and famous? How often do we equate wisdom or expertise with the ability
to make money, score a touchdown, or thrill an audience?…..’It makes no difference if you’re right or wrong. When you’re rich they think you really know’, says a line from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. We should know better. Do we?” (Alden p. 196). One doesn’t need status, money, or an advanced secular education to have godly wisdom. It turns out here that the haughty rich man is the laughingstock of the discerning poor. “In this context the idea probably is that the wealthy think that their money proves they are smarter and morally superior, but the poor see that they are just more ruthless” (Garrett p. 223). Talk about being relevant, in our society people assume that just because someone is a movie star or athlete that suddenly such a person is an expert on any pressing issue that is confronting our world.
A People’s Happiness 28:12 Compare with 28:28 and 29:2. Contrary to the “wisdom” from secular and liberal thinkers, people actually do flourish and prosper under righteous administrations. Honest leaders are needed to make any government stable (character does matter). Far too many people in our world labor under the tyranny of unjust rulers. Men “hide themselves” probably in the sense of trying to avoid being persecuted. In addition, one of the great tests of any nation is the “border test”. That is, how many people want out or in when a nation drops it’s border restrictions. The very fact that people in Communist countries haven’t be able to leave at will should tell us something!
Sin Buried Is Sin Kept 28:13 Compare with Psalm 32:1-4 and 1 John 1:6-10. Trying to hide and conceal our sins simply doesn’t pay off. “Some people think sinners who break the rules always win while good people who keep them always lose. Verse 13 says just the opposite” (Alden p. 196). Note that repentance is far more than simply admitting that we have done wrong. We must not only confess our sins, but we must also forsake them. Such an individual will find compassion not only in the sight of God, but also usually in the sight of others. “Thus those who confess their crimes and are remorseful are more likely to get the mercy of the court than those who try, to the end, to conceal their guilt, and the hardened criminal will be more severely treated than someone who shows fear of the power of the state” (Garrett p. 225). It is sad that often the attitude in our society is whatever you do, don’t admit that you have done anything wrong.
Rejoice With Trembling 28:14 The word “feareth” here uses a strengthened form of a strong word, i.e., “is in great awe”. But how many people in our society try to act like they aren’t afraid of anything and take such to be the evidence of maturity and courage. The fear of God is a good and healthy thing (1:7). “In other words, the one who is always apprehensive about sin and its results will be more successful at avoiding it and finding God’s blessing” (Gaebelein p. 1106). Note one of the qualities of a hard heart---the attitude that refuses to stand in awe of God, and which refuses to take sin seriously.
Mindless Tyranny 28:15-16 “The tyrant is in God’s eyes subhuman (15), stupid (16) and shortlived (16b). Might doesn’t make right, instead, such a method of ruling is stupid. Rulers who stay in power by using force are acting like animals and such a ruler will not rule for a long time. “Because tyrants are like this, animal imagery is used in Daniel 7:1-8 for the series of ruthless world rulers” (Gaebelein p. 1107).
The Murderer 28:17 This verse forbids interference with justice. “Theologically, the murderer is oppressed by guilt in his conscience, and no one should seek to make him feel better about what he has done” (Garrett p. 225). God isn’t impressed that that segment in society which makes heroes out of criminals who are on the run. The person who tries to aid the fugitive is out of line.
Nothing To Hide, Nothing To Fear 28:18 The word “crooked” means literally, is perverse of two ways. This might be the two-faced, forked-tongue type of person. The good news is that sooner or later his double life will catch up to him. In addition, such a man might be trying to combine two ways, i.e. some aspects of righteousness with some aspects of sin. “Integrity brings security; perversion brings insecurity” (Gaebelein
p. 1108). But how many people have been convinced that a double-life is exciting and fun and that integrity and honesty are boring?
Pipe Dreams 28:19 Prosperity depends on diligent work. Yet there are always people who are trying to tell us on some info-commercial that there is plenty of easy money to be had. “Empty pursuits” can refer to idle fantasies, unprofitable occupations or business speculations. The point of the verse is that hard work is the only way to prosperity; anything else is a waste of time. The wise man isn’t taken in by get-rich-schemes.
What Is He Worth? 28:20 Proverbs often speaks against money that is too quickly acquired (10:2; 13:11; 20:21; 21:6; 28:22). “Learning how to handle money is an art learned….one may find wealth is more of a burden than they ever expected” (Alden p. 198). “Any society is in trouble when people think they can find a quick route to riches by taking shortcuts” (Garrett p. 227). The danger of wanting to get rich quick is that such a person is easily tempted to engage in ventures which are dishonest and underhanded.
Favoritism 28:21 Justice can be so easily perverted, and for so small a price (a piece of bread!), and the price can go lower than this! “To as little as the fancied approval of a stronger personality” (Kidner p. 172). Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage and the Pharisees sold their souls for praise from people that they really didn’t like all that much (John 12:42-43). Do we have a price? “Perhaps the very contrast here between ‘perverting justice’ and its puny reward points out the need for values. How important is integrity, morality, honesty, or fidelity in everyday life? Are we willing to compromise for a ‘piece of bread’?” (Alden p. 198) God also might be reminding us of what Jesus later said, “he who is unfaithful in a very little thing is also unfaithful in much” (Luke 16:10). That is, people who compromise will compromise for very little. In addition, if we are covetous, then we will sell out for something as little as a piece of bread. Here we learn that wisdom doesn’t show partiality.
The Miser’s Miscalculation 28:22 “A grudging or grasping spirit ensures inner poverty, even while the outer hoard lasts” (Kidner p. 172). “Is still another warning against wealth from a king who had it all….Meanness of soul does not go away just because a man gets rich; he is just as miserable with it as he was without it” (Alden p. 198). Here is another consequence of greed, it will actually bring us to inner and probably outer poverty. It is ironic that many people who desire money more than anything else in life, end up very poor people (Ecclesiastes 4:8). Compare with 1 Timothy 6:9. “The full irony of those who will sell their integrity in any way for money is brought home in verse 22. They end up in poverty” (Garrett p. 227).
Welcome Outspokenness 28:23 In the final analysis rebuke will be appreciated more than flattery. “The flattering tongue may be pleasing for the moment, but it will offer no constructive help like the rebuke” (Gaebelein p. 1109). Note, this proverb is even true among unbelievers. “Flattering someone who ought to be rebuked is like encouraging a fool; the wise man sees the difference and is grateful for correction” (Alden p. 198). Eventually, even sinners see through the smooth-talker.
Inhuman Son 28:24 “Jesus showed that there are refined ways of incurring this guilt (Mark 7:11)” (Kidner p. 172). Compare with Paul’s strong words in 1 Timothy 5:4,8. Yet when people are selfish they can rationalize away even the most glaring and obvious sins. The man who is trying to rob his parents in this verse might be the person who is trying to prematurely gain control of the family property through some form of pressure and in the process reduce the parents’ possessions and standing in the community. “He can say, ‘It’s not wrong’, because he could reason that it would be his some day anyway” (Gaebelein p. 1109). Greed will move us to violate the most basic moral principles and will also move us to place wealth even before our parents.
Seek Ye First
28:25 Arrogance causes many problems in society. This also might be an arrogant greedy person who can’t wait and who won’t let anything stand in their way of getting what they want. In contrast, those who trust in the Lord can wait for their appetites to be satisfied—in fact they are satisfied (Philippians 4:10-13). Literally the word “arrogant” means “large of soul”, and refers to an uncontrolled, avaricious appetite for material things.
The Self-Reliant 28:26 This is the exact opposite of what people are being told today, even in many religious circles. How often have you heard someone say, “Always trust your heart or your feelings. You can’t go wrong in following the impulses in your heart of hearts”? Compare with 3:5; 16:25; Jeremiah 10:23. “The wise man knows better than to trust in himself, knowing his vision is limited by his fallibility and sin. Only the Lord and His way of wisdom are fully trustworthy” (Alden p. 199). This verse defines walking wisely as trusting in the Lord.
More Blessed To Give 28:27 The paradox that many people in the world refuse to believe, i.e., those who give more will have more. Compare with 22:9 and 11:24-26. “The one who is generous will not miss what he gives away” (Gaebelein p. 1110). The “many curses” in this verse might either refer to the fact that such a person is cursed by God and in addition, is also cursed by many people. Even secular society resents the “scrooge”.
National Success 28:28 Compare with 28:12. Good people flourish when the wicked are removed from power. “When the wicked leaders in society fall, people are more likely to follow sound moral principles. By contrast, if the highest leaders in government and business are corrupt, that corruption will filter down to the lowest segment of society” (Garrett p. 228).