(Prov 28:1 NASB) The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
Prov 28:1: The wicked can never rest because they know that their past can come back and haunt them at any time. The Hebrew word for “bold” can also mean “confident.”
(Prov 28:2 NASB) By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
Prov 28:2: National transgression will bring division. We have seen examples of this in the USA back in the days of the Civil War and also today.
A wise leader of understanding and knowledge will bring stability.
(Prov 28:3 NASB) A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
Prov 28:3: The poor oppressing the lowly is like a hard rain that washes away the crops instead of watering them. This is especially tragic since te poor and the lowly are often one of the few comforts for each other.
(Prov 28:4 NASB) Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.
Prov 28:4: One’s adherence to Torah reflects ones attitude toward the wicked.
(Prov 28:5 NASB) Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all things.
Prov 28:5: Those who seek Yahweh and His ways understand all things, according to Scripture (John 7:17, Psalm 25:8-14, 119:101-106, 1 Cor. 2:14-16).
(Prov 28:6 NASB) Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, Than he who is crooked though he be rich.
(Prov 28:7 NASB) He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
Prov 28:7: The Hebrew word for “gluttons” also means “worthless men.”
(Prov 28:8 NASB) He who increases his wealth by interest and usury, Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.
Prov 28:8: Charging interest or usury to brothers is against Torah and is strictly forbidden (Lev. 25:35-37, Ex. 22:25). Elohim says those who do that will eventually just be gathering to others who will be gracious to the poor.
However, one can charge interest to someone who does not follow His Torah (Deut. 23:19-20).
(Prov 28:9 NASB) He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
Prov 28:9: If someone ignores the Torah of the Father, their prayers are an abomination to Him (Zech. 7:11-13, Isa. 59:1-2, Psalm 66:18-20, John 9:31, Micah 3:4).
(Prov 28:10 NASB) He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good.
Prov 28:10: Thre are those who can lead His people astray. We are to be aware of them (Romans 16:17-18, 2 Cor. 11:3-4).
(Prov 28:11 NASB) The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
Prov 28:11: One who is obedient to Torah can easily recognize a man who is wise in his own eyes.
(Prov 28:12 NASB) When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
(Prov 28:13 NASB) He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
Prov 28:13: Forgiveness is abundant for those who forsake their lawless ways (Lev 26:40-42, Jer. 3:12-14, 1 John 1:8-10).
(Prov 28:14 NASB) How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Prov 28:14: The man is blessed that fears the Father, that fears sin and its consequences (Psalm 112:1-3, Isa. 66:1-2, Romans 11:20-21, Heb. 4:1, 1 Peter 1:17).
(Prov 28:15 NASB) Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
(Prov 28:16 NASB) A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
Prov 28:16: Rulers and leaders who are wicked and oppress the people lack understanding of the Father and His ways (Torah).
(Prov 28:17 NASB) A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him.
(Prov 28:18 NASB) He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, But he who is crooked will fall all at once.
Prov 28:18: Murderers with death be punished with death and with support from no one. All crime should should be punished.
(Prov 28:19 NASB) He who tills his land will have plenty of food, But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.
Prov 28:19: This is another encouragement to work hard at your job instead of trying to get rich quick.
(Prov 28:20 NASB) A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
Prov 28:20: Hastily acquired wealth often comes through dishonest dealings.
(Prov 28:21 NASB) To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
Prov 28:21: Torah states that a judge must despise a bribe (Ex. 23:8)..
(Prov 28:22 NASB) A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth, And does not know that want will come upon him.
(Prov 28:23 NASB) He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue.
Prov 28:23: A righteous rebuke will be embraced by those who love the Father and His ways.
(Prov 28:24 NASB) He who robs his father or his mother, And says, “It is not a transgression,” Is the companion of a man who destroys.
Prov 28:24: Robbing your parents is an absolute abomination.
(Prov 28:25 NASB) An arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
(Prov 28:26 NASB) He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.
(Prov 28:27 NASB) He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
Prov 28:27: This is more contrast between the wise who Follow Torah and the wicked who despise His ways.
(Prov 28:28 NASB) When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Prov 28:28: When the wicked perish, the righteous increase (Acts 12:21-24).
Patrick McGuire
Copyright 2014 Patrick McGuire and Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly All rights reserved, no portion of this Lesson may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly Fort Smith, Arkansas