Proverbs 28 - Meaning, Themes & Application

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 means people who do wrong often live in fear, always looking over their shoulder, even when no one is chasing them. But those …

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

Proverbs 28:4 means people who ignore God’s ways end up cheering on wrong behavior, while those who obey God must be willing to speak up …

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Proverbs 28:9 means that if you knowingly ignore God’s commands, God won’t take your prayers seriously. You can’t live in open disobedience and expect His …

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

Proverbs 28:10 means anyone who tricks or pressures good people into doing wrong will eventually be hurt by their own evil plans. God sees manipulation …

The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Proverbs 28:12 means that when honest, godly people lead, everyone benefits and feels safe. But when corrupt people gain power, good people feel pressured to …

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Proverbs 28:13 means hiding your wrongs only makes life worse, but honestly admitting them and changing your behavior brings mercy and a fresh start. For …

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Proverbs 28:14 means the person who lives with a healthy, humble fear of God—taking Him seriously every day—is truly blessed. But someone who ignores God, …

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Proverbs 28:25 means proud, self-centered people cause arguments and tension, but those who humbly trust God find peace and lasting provision. In everyday life, this …

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Proverbs 28:26 warns that trusting only your own feelings or opinions is foolish, because your heart can mislead you. Instead, God calls you to seek …

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs 28:28 means that when corrupt people gain power, ordinary people feel afraid, unsafe, and stay quiet. But when those wrongdoers fall, good and honest …