Proverbs
Chapter 28
The wicked man runs away even when no one is after him, but the virtuous man feels as safe as a lion.
A country, for its sins, has many rulers; but with one wise leader, there is stability.
The evildoer oppressing the poor is like destructive floods that leave nothing behind.
Those who abandon the law praise evil; those loyal to the law oppose evil.
The wicked lack understanding of justice, but those who seek the Lord understand everything.
Choose a honest, modest life over a dishonest one filled with wealth.
A clever man respects the law, while he who associates with scoundrels brings shame to his father.
He who gains wealth through usury and greed accumulates it for someone who cares for the poor.
If anyone ignores the law, even his prayer is tainted by sin.
He who leads the virtuous astray will fall into his own trap. The upright will inherit happiness.
The wealthy man considers himself wise, while the poor but sensible man knows how to prove him wrong.
When the virtuous prevail, there is great feasting, but when the wicked rule, everyone hides.
Whoever hides his faults will not succeed, but he who admits and abandons them will receive mercy.
Blessed is the one who always lives in reverence of God; he who hardens his heart will face disaster.
A roaring lion and a hungry bear are like a bad leader of poor people.
An uninformed ruler increases oppression, but one who despises greed will persevere.
The man wanted for murder will be on the run forever. Let him go!
He who lives honestly will be saved, but he who hesitates between two paths will fall into one.
He who cares for his land will enjoy plenty of bread, while he who chases illusions will suffer much misery.
The trustworthy man will be blessed, but he who is preoccupied with getting rich will not be guiltless.
It’s not right to show favoritism, but a man can do wrong for a mouthful of bread.
The greedy-eyed man is searching for wealth without realizing that misfortune will come to him.
He who criticizes others will eventually gain more favor than the flatterer.
He who steals from his father and mother and says: “It’s not a sin,” is just like a criminal.
The greedy man causes trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be blessed with good things.
He who trusts in himself is like a fool, but he who walks wisely will be saved.
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who ignores them will face disgrace.
When the wicked succeed, everyone hides; but when they fail, the virtuous increase.
Commentaries
Fifth Collection.
These sayings focus on the Law, which is emphasized as the best choice for the post-exilic citizen. The end of Babylonian rule and the start of Persian domination under King Cyrus are pivotal in Jewish history. This period marks the true beginning of Judaism, meaning that Jewish identity is rooted in the strict observance of the Law found in the first five books of the Bible—the Torah.
Fifth Collection.
Some interpret these verses as showcasing a form of popular religious resistance against a tyrannical and unjust rule, such as that of Manasseh (687-642 B.C.). Evil is often portrayed and personified in those who wield power and wealth to exploit and oppress others. When the poor are perceptive, they can see through and expose the motives of the wicked—in this case, the rich and oppressive. The poor believe that their only trustworthy source of life is in their God; respecting him and obeying his commands is seen as a blessing for themselves, their loved ones, and those who share their fate.
Fifth Collection.
The background of these verses continues to show situations of extreme poverty, hunger, and social unrest of all kinds. We see contrasting terms: rich-poor, miserly-generous, foolish-prudent, sincerity-flattery, wicked-righteous. These are opposing terms that force a person to choose the direction of their life. Verse 28 provides the key to understanding that we are referring to the fearsome King Manasseh and his court, who inflicted great evil upon the Israelite nation. Although it is written as a saying, the meaning of the proverb is that this king and his followers must disappear so that the righteous may prosper.