#oldtestament #proverbs #proverbs28 #bible #Biblestudy # Proverbs 28 > [!info] Table of Contents > [[#📜 Scripture Text (NET)]] [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]] [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]] [[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]] [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]] > [[#🤔 Interesting Facts]] [[#🔗 Related Passages]] [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]] > [[Proverbs Overview]] --- ## 📜 Scripture Text (NET) The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,     but the godly are as bold as lions. 2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.     But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. 3 A poor person who oppresses the poor     is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. 4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;     to obey the law is to fight them. 5 Evil people don’t understand justice,     but those who follow the Lord understand completely. 6 Better to be poor and honest     than to be dishonest and rich. 7 Young people who obey the law are wise;     those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. 8 Income from charging high interest rates     will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor. 9 God detests the prayers     of a person who ignores the law. 10 Those who lead good people along an evil path     will fall into their own trap,     but the honest will inherit good things. 11 Rich people may think they are wise,     but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. 12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.     When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. 13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,     but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. 14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,     but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. 15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor     as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. 16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,     but one who hates corruption will have a long life. 17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.     Don’t protect him! 18 The blameless will be rescued from harm,     but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed. 19 A hard worker has plenty of food,     but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. 20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,     but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. 21 Showing partiality is never good,     yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. 22 Greedy people try to get rich quick     but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. 23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism     far more than flattery. 24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother     and says, “What’s wrong with that?”     is no better than a murderer. 25 Greed causes fighting;     trusting the Lord leads to prosperity. 26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,     but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. 27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,     but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. 28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.     When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish. --- ## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary Each verse is important. --- ## 🤔 Interesting Facts - Verse 1—“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion”—is a well-known verse on courage and conscience. - The chapter repeatedly contrasts justice and injustice, particularly highlighting oppression of the poor (vv. 3, 8, 15). - Verse 13 connects confession with mercy, offering a theology of repentance: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper.” - There’s a focus on how moral character relates to national leadership and societal health. - It emphasizes that integrity leads to stability while compromise leads to downfall. --- ## 🧠 Chapter Summary **Main Teaching**: Proverbs 28 contrasts the boldness of the righteous with the fear of the wicked and emphasizes justice, generosity, and integrity. It warns against oppressing the poor, accepting bribes, and trusting in riches. **How It Fits in Proverbs**: This chapter returns to the moral framework of justice and personal responsibility, showing that wise living requires both internal character and social righteousness. It reinforces that the fear of the Lord and upright living bring security. **Apologetic Insight**: Proverbs 28 affirms the biblical principle that justice flows from righteousness and that peace comes from a clean conscience, not external power. It critiques cultural systems built on corruption or greed and upholds divine justice as the ultimate standard. --- ## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application - 📌 The righteous are bold, while the wicked live in fear. - 📌 Confession and repentance lead to mercy and renewal. - 📌 Justice and integrity are more important than riches. #### Today, I can apply this chapter by: - ✅ Be bold in doing what’s right, even if others compromise. - ✅ Confess your sins quickly to God instead of hiding them. - ✅ Practice generosity—help someone in need today. - ✅ Don’t chase riches—seek wisdom and righteousness instead. - ✅ Be honest in business and personal dealings, even when it’s inconvenient. --- ## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember **📖 Proverbs 28:13** “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” - **Why it matters**: This is a powerful call to repentance and honesty before God. Mercy flows through confession, not cover-up. --- ## 🔗 Related Passages - 🔗 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us…” - 🔗 Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…” - 🔗 Psalm 84:11 – “No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” --- ## 🙏 Devotional Reflection Write 3–6 sentences reflecting on: - How this chapter encourages your faith, - Convicts your heart, - Reveals God's character. Optional format: "In light of this chapter, I am challenged to..." or "I am comforted by..." --- ## 🛤 Life Application **Today, I can apply this chapter by:** - ✅ Application 1 - ✅ Application 2 Make these very practical: - "Trust God's timing in an uncertain situation." - "Speak truth even when it’s unpopular." --- ## 📂 Tags