Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 28:4 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them. "
Proverbs 28:4
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
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Those who praise the wicked make it look as if they themselves have turned away from God’s law, because that law condemns and curses the wicked. Wicked people speak well of one another, and by doing so they strengthen each other in evil. They hope to quiet their own consciences, and to help the devil’s kingdom, which is advanced more than almost anything else by keeping sin in good standing.
On the other hand, those who truly care about God’s law will firmly oppose sin wherever they can. They will speak against it and do what they can to shame it and hold it back. They will expose the deeds of darkness, silence the excuses made for them, and help bring serious offenders to punishment, so that others may hear and fear.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
Proverbs 28:2
"In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge."
Proverbs 28:3
"A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops."
Proverbs 28:5
"Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully."
Proverbs 28:6
"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich."
Proverbs 28:7
"Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father."
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