Proverbs 28 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2CHAPTER 28 Pr 28:1-28 . 1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold ( Pr 14:26 ; Psa 27:1 ).
32. Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each. but by a man ... prolonged-- or, "by a man of understanding--that is, a good ruler--he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.
43. A poor man, &c.-- Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.
54. They that forsake ... wicked-- Wrongdoers encourage one another.
65. (Compare Joh 7:17 ). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.
76. (Compare Pr 10:6 ). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.
87. (Compare Pr 17:25 ). riotous men-- or, "gluttons" ( Pr 23:20 , 21 ).
98. usury ... unjust gain-- (Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of wealth.
109. (Compare Pr 15:8 ; 21:27 ). hearing-- that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers ( Psa 66:18 ; Joh 4:24 ).
1211. A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.
1312. great glory-- or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation ( Pr 14:34 ). a man ... hidden-- that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.
1413. (Compare Psa 32:3-5 ). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent ( Psa 51:4 ).
1514. feareth-- that is, God, and so repents. hardeneth his heart-- makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent ( Pr 14:16 ; 29:1 ).
1615. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psa 7:2 ; 17:12 ).
1716. The prince ... understanding-- that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.
1817. doeth violence ... blood, &c.-- or, that is oppressed by the blood of life ( Ge 9:6 ), which he has taken. to the pit-- the grave or destruction ( Pr 1:12 ; Job 33:18-24 ; Psa 143:7 ). stay him-- sustain or deliver him.
1918. (Compare Pr 10:9 ; 17:20 ). Double dealing is eventually fatal.
2019. (Compare Pr 10:4 ; 20:4 ). vain persons-- idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked ( Pr 12:11 ; Psa 26:4 ).
2120. maketh haste ... rich-- implying deceit or fraud ( Pr 20:21 ), and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.
2221. respect of persons-- ( Pr 24:23 ). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.
2322. (Compare Pr 28:20 ). evil eye-- in the general sense of Pr 23:6 , here more specific for covetousness (compare Pr 22:9 ; Mt 20:15 ). poverty ... him-- by God's providence.
2423. (Compare Pr 9:8 , 9 ; 27:5 ). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.
2524. (Compare Mt 15:4-6 ). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.
2625. of a proud heart-- literally, "puffed up of soul"--that is, self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious. made fat-- or, "prosperous" ( Pr 11:25 ; 16:20 ).
2726. (Compare Pr 3:6-8 ). walketh wisely-- that is, trusting in God ( Pr 22:17-19 ).
2827. (Compare Pr 11:24-26 ). hideth his eyes-- as the face ( Psa 27:9 ; 69:17 ), denotes inattention.