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Summary

Proverbs 28:1–9 – Courage, Integrity, and the Law

What happens: The wicked flee though no one pursues; the righteous are bold as a lion. A wicked ruler oppresses the poor. Those who keep the law contend with the wicked. Better a poor person who walks in integrity than a rich one who is crooked. Whoever turns away from the law, even his prayer is abomination.

What it means: God grants courage to the upright because their refuge is in Him. Justice for the poor matters to God. Obedience to God’s word shapes real fellowship with Him. Integrity outweighs riches in God’s sight.

Proverbs 28:10–18 – Upright Paths and Mercy

What happens: Leading the upright astray brings one into his own pit. Confession and forsaking sin find mercy; hiding sin brings no prospering. A ruler without understanding multiplies oppression, but one who hates unjust gain prolongs days. The blameless walk safely.

What it means: God runs a moral universe where traps rebound on the wicked. Mercy meets repentance because God is gracious. Leadership under God must reject greed. Holiness brings stability along God’s path.

Proverbs 28:19–28 – Work, Justice, and Trust in the Lord

What happens: Working one’s land brings plenty; chasing fantasies brings poverty. Faithful people abound with blessings; those eager to be rich are not innocent. Partiality is not good. Whoever gives to the poor lacks nothing; whoever hides his eyes gets many curses. Those who trust in the Lord are safe. When the wicked rise, people hide.

What it means: God provides through steady labor, not schemes. Generosity reflects His heart and invites His care. Fairness in judgment honors His justice. Trust in the Lord secures life when times shake.

Application

  • Walk in integrity and obey God’s word.
  • Confess and forsake sin to receive mercy.
  • Work faithfully, give generously, and trust the Lord for safety.

Bible

1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

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