← Back to Proverbs

Proverbs 28

28 verses

TL;DR

Proverbs 28 contrasts the boldness of the righteous with the flight of the wicked, showing that wisdom, justice, and trust in the Lord bring blessings while pride, oppression, and wickedness bring ruin.

Summary

Proverbs 28 opens with a stark contrast: the righteous stand bold as lions, whereas the wicked flee without pursuers. The chapter repeatedly stresses the importance of law, wisdom, and stewardship, noting that those who keep the law are wise and that understanding prolongs a nation’s prosperity. It condemns oppression, usury, and pride, warning that the rich who grow by unjust means will ultimately be taken by those who pity the poor. Generosity is praised, with the saying that the generous will not lack, while those who hide from the poor are cursed. The text also emphasizes the necessity of confession, humility, and trust in the Lord as pathways to mercy and prosperity. A recurring motif is the contrast between the consequences of righteous conduct—blessing and safety—and the downfall of the wicked—poverty, ridicule, and hidden perils.

Outline
  1. Contrast between righteous boldness and wicked flight
  2. Importance of law, wisdom, and stewardship for individual and national prosperity
  3. Consequences of pride, oppression, and generosity
Themes
Justice and RighteousnessWisdom vs FollyBlessings of Generosity
Keywords
righteouswickedlawwisdomusurypovertyrichesgenerosityconfessionhumilitytruststatejustice
People
Places
Things
lawusurypovertyrichesgenerositywisdomstateprayerbreadpit
Key Verses
  • Proverbs 28:1: Sets the overarching contrast between righteous boldness and wicked flight
  • Proverbs 28:13: Highlights the importance of confession and repentance
  • Proverbs 28:27: Emphasizes that generosity brings abundance
  • Proverbs 28:28: Illustrates the ultimate outcome of wickedness and righteousness
  • Proverbs 28:8: Links wealth gained by unjust means to the poor
  • Proverbs 28:18: Affirms that uprightness leads to salvation
Questions
  • What does Proverbs 28 teach about the relationship between wealth, justice, and generosity?
  • How does the text define the consequences of confessing versus covering sins?
  • In what ways does the chapter link the health of a nation to the wisdom of its leaders?
  • Why might the author emphasize both praise for keeping the law and condemnation for ignoring it?
  • How can modern readers apply the warnings about pride and usury today?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains both commendation for righteousness and condemnation for wickedness