Proverbs 28
28:1 a The wicked experience God’s curse for breaking his covenant (see Lev 26:14-17 b, 36-37 c).28:2 d Wise ... leaders rule justly and effectively (8:15-16 e).
28:4 f Without law, chaos results and the wicked flourish.
28:5 g Evil people seek gain by breaking the law. Justice ensures that they are punished and the righteous are rewarded.
28:6 h Virtue is more valuable than material wealth. This proverb is repeated with a slightly different conclusion in 19:1 i.
28:7 j their parents: This proverb applies to both fathers and mothers.
28:8 k The law prohibited charging needy Israelites interest on loans (Exod 22:25 l; Lev 25:36 m; Deut 23:19 n). The rich were instructed to lend generously to the poor (Prov 3:27-28 o; 11:24 p; 28:27 q; 29:7 r, 14 s).
28:9 t A person who ignores the law shows no fear of the Lord (1:7 u), the lawgiver. That person’s prayers are hypocritical—why should God listen to them?
28:12 v When the wicked take charge: See also 28:28 w.
28:13 x The wise admit their mistakes and sins and pursue correction (see Ps 32:1-5 y).
28:15 z A wicked ruler will not help the poor because his rule is not just. Like a roaring lion or an attacking bear, he destroys their lives.
28:17 aa tormented conscience: See 1 Sam 25:31 ab; Rom 2:15 ac; 13:5 ad; cp. Heb 10:22 ae.
• Don’t protect him! Murder is such a serious offense that a fine could not replace the death penalty (see Num 35:32 af).
28:19 ag This proverb is repeated but with a different conclusion in 12:11 ah.
28:20 ai quick riches: Wealth must be earned ethically, or it will cause harm and will not last (see 13:11 aj, cp. 10:2 ak; 11:18 al; 13:22 am; 21:6 an).
28:21 ao Rendering a wrong verdict based on a bribe is evil (17:23 ap; 22:16 aq).
28:23 ar The wise desire honest criticism of their faults so they can improve (10:17 as; 13:1 at, 10 au; 15:24 av, 31-32 aw).
28:24 ax Callous children who exploit their parents are wicked (see Exod 20:12 ay).
28:25 az Those who are greedy fight to control circumstances so as to gain riches. Trusting the Lord allows the wise to face life calmly and, ironically, to experience prosperity.
28:26 ba The one who walks in wisdom listens to the advice of others; those who trust their own insight show themselves foolish.
28:28 bb When the wicked take charge: See also 28:12 bc.
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