KJV
Proverbs 28
1¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2¶ For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
3¶ A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4¶ They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5¶ Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things].
6¶ Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich.
7¶ Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father.
8¶ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9¶ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
10¶ Whoso 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.
11¶ The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12¶ When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.
14¶ Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15¶ [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16¶ The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.
17¶ A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18¶ Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but [he that is] perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once.
19¶ He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.
20¶ A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21¶ To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.
22¶ He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23¶ He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24¶ Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer.
25¶ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
26¶ He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27¶ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28¶ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Study This Passage
Key Words and Topics
These study connections are drawn from the internal BSB concordance and topical index imported into Daily Bread Intake.
Key Words in This Passage
Select a word to open the full concordance search.
Related Topics
Abomination: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Proverbs 28:9
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
Affairs Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Agriculture or Farming: Diligence In, Abundantly Recompensed Proverbs 28:19
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Children Who Enter Into, Bring Shame Upon Their Parents Proverbs 28:7
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Evil Consequences of Proverbs 28:19
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Hear not the Law Proverbs 28:9
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
Asking Forgiveness Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Backsliding: Blessedness of Those Who Keep From Proverbs 28:14
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Backsliding: Punishment of Tempting Others to the Sin of Proverbs 28:10
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
Bear: Ferocity of Proverbs 28:15
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
Being Brave Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Being Faithful Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
Being Lucky Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
Being Stingy Proverbs 28:22
A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
Believing in Yourself Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
Benevolence Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
Blaming Others Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Blindness: Spiritual Proverbs 28:5
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
Boldness of the Righteous Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Breaking Bad Habits Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Bribery: General Scriptures Concerning Proverbs 28:21
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
Character of Saints: Bold Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Character of the Wicked: Fearful Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Select a topic to open the full topical search.
Bible Dictionary
Related Dictionary Terms
Explore people, places, themes, and biblical terms connected to this passage.

Commentary Insights
Study and Reflection
Explore devotional and study commentary connected to this passage.
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
Pastoral and devotional reflections focused on spiritual formation and application.
Proverbs 28:1 Verse 1
Sin makes men cowards. Whatever difficulties the righteous meet in the way of duty, they are not daunted.
Proverbs 28:2 Verse 2
National sins disturb the public repose.
Proverbs 28:3 Verse 3
If needy persons get opportunities of oppressing, their extortion will be more severe than that of the more wealthy.
Proverbs 28:4 Verse 4
Wicked people strengthen one another in wicked ways.
Proverbs 28:5 Verse 5
If a man seeks the Lord, it is a good sign that he understands much, and it is a good means of understanding more.
Proverbs 28:6 Verse 6
An honest, godly, poor man, is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; has more comfort in himself, and is a greater blessing to the world.
Proverbs 28:7 Verse 7
Companions of riotous men not only grieve their parents, but shame them.
Proverbs 28:8 Verse 8
That which is ill got, though it may increase much, will not last long. Thus the poor are repaid, and God is glorified.
Proverbs 28:9 Verse 9
The sinner at whose prayers God is angry, is one who obstinately refuses to obey God's commands.
Proverbs 28:10 Verse 10
The success of ungodly men is their own misery.
Proverbs 28:11 Verse 11
Rich men are so flattered, that they think themselves superior to others.
Proverbs 28:12 Verse 12
There is glory in the land when the righteous have liberty.
Proverbs 28:13 Verse 13
It is folly to indulge sin, and excuse it. He who covers his sins, shall not have any true peace. He who humbly confesses his sins, with true repentance and faith, shall find mercy from God. The Son of God is our great atonement. Under a deep sense of our guilt and danger, we may claim salvation from that mercy which reigns through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Proverbs 28:14 Verse 14
There is a fear which causes happiness. Faith and love will deliver from the fear of eternal misery; but we should always fear offending God, and fear sinning against him.
Proverbs 28:15 Verse 15
A wicked ruler, whatever we may call him, this scripture calls a roaring lion, and a ranging bear.
Proverbs 28:16 Verse 16
Oppressors want understanding; they do not consult their own honour, ease, and safety.
Proverbs 28:17 Verse 17
The murderer shall be haunted with terrors. None shall desire to save him from deserved punishment, nor pity him.
Proverbs 28:18 Verse 18
Uprightness will give men holy security in the worst times; but the false and dishonest are never safe.
Proverbs 28:19 Verse 19
Those who are diligent, take the way to live comfortably.
Proverbs 28:20 Verse 20
The true way to be happy, is to be holy and honest; not to raise an estate suddenly, without regard to right or wrong.
Proverbs 28:21 Verse 21
Judgment is perverted, when any thing but pure right is considered.
Proverbs 28:22 Verse 22
He that hastens to be rich, never seriously thinks how quickly God may take his wealth from him, and leave him in poverty.
Proverbs 28:23 Verse 23
Upon reflection, most will have a better opinion of a faithful reprover than of a soothing flatterer.
Proverbs 28:24 Verse 24
Here is the wickedness of those who think it no sin to rob their parents, by wheedling them or threatening them, or by wasting what they have, and running into debt.
Proverbs 28:25 Verse 25
Those make themselves always easy, that live in continual dependence upon God and his grace, and live by faith.
Proverbs 28:26 Verse 26
A fool trusts to his own strength, merit, and righteousness. And trusts to his own heart, which is not only deceitful above all things, but which has often deceived him.
Proverbs 28:27 Verse 27
A selfish man not only will not look out for objects of compassion, but will look off from those that call for his attention.
Proverbs 28:28 Verse 28
When power is put into the hands of the wicked, wise men decline public business. If the reader will go diligently over this and the other chapters, in many places where at first he may suppose there is least of Christ, still he will find what will lead to him.