Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 28:5 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand "
Proverbs 28:5
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
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A person’s evil desires often grow because their mind is dark. In the same way, a dark mind often comes from letting sinful desires rule. Such people do not understand what is right and just. They cannot clearly tell truth from lies, or right from wrong. They do not see God’s law as the guide for what they should do or the warning of what will happen to them.
That is one reason they are evil people, their wickedness comes from ignorance and wrong thinking (Ephesians 4:18). At the same time, they do not understand justice because they are evil people. Their sinful hearts blind them and fill them with prejudice. Because they keep doing what is wrong, they hate the light. It is also right for God to leave such people to strong lies and false beliefs.
By contrast, when people seek the Lord, that is a good sign that they understand much. It is also a means of understanding more, even all that is needed for life and godliness. Those who set God’s glory before them as their goal, his favor as their happiness, and his word as their rule, and who turn to him in prayer in every need, are seeking the Lord. He will give them wisdom. If a person does God’s will, he will know God’s teaching (John 7:17).
Those who obey God’s commands have a good understanding, and they will gain even more (Psalm 111:10; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 15).
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Proverbs 28:2
"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."
Proverbs 28:3
"A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food."
Proverbs 28:4
"They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend"
Proverbs 28:6
"Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich."
Proverbs 28:7
"Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father."
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