The Righteous are as Bold as a Lion
Proverbs 28:1-28
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
#Time =
#Place =
#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
#Key Idea =
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a Great app, better on computers or on smartphones)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
Literal Word (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
Themes
Righteousness and justice
Wisdom versus foolishness
Honesty and integrity
Wealth and poverty
Fear and courage
Leadership and authority
Topics
Moral living
Importance of wisdom
Consequences of wrongdoing
The power of prayer
The impact of riches and poverty
Importance of wisdom
Consequences of wrongdoing
The power of prayer
The impact of riches and poverty
Hashtags:
#Wisdom
#Consequences of Wrongdoing
#Faithfulness
Potential Sermon Titles: ??
Intro Questions to get us thinking:
- In your present position, over what domain do you rule? What appeals to you about ruling your roost: Are you like the fox in charge of the hen house or a roaring lion, king of all beasts?
- In tackling anything new (friends, job, sport, investments, etc.) are you a high risk-taker or a steady plodder toward your goal? Cite an example.
ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People =
#People =
- The righteous
- The wicked
- Rulers
- The poor
- The rich
#Place =
#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
#Key Idea =
Proverbs 28:1-28 ESV
1The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
its stability will long continue.
3A poor man who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law strive against them.
5Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.
6Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
7The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profita
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
10Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14Blessed is the one who fears the Lordb always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17If one is burdened with the blood of another,
he will be a fugitive until death;c
let no one help him.
18Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
19Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22A stingy mand hastens after wealth
and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue.
24Whoever robs his father or his mother
and says, “That is no transgression,”
is a companion to a man who destroys.
25A greedy man stirs up strife,
but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.
26Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
28When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.
PRAYER: Father, I pray that I would always trust in You and not in man. I know that when I do, I will be led down the path of life and prosperity. In the Name of Jesus.
1The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
its stability will long continue.
3A poor man who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law strive against them.
5Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.
6Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
7The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profita
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
10Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14Blessed is the one who fears the Lordb always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17If one is burdened with the blood of another,
he will be a fugitive until death;c
let no one help him.
18Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
19Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22A stingy mand hastens after wealth
and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue.
24Whoever robs his father or his mother
and says, “That is no transgression,”
is a companion to a man who destroys.
25A greedy man stirs up strife,
but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.
26Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
28When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.
OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions
Proverbs 28 offers a series of wise sayings focused on themes of righteousness, justice, and the consequences of one’s actions. It highlights the importance of integrity and warns against the dangers of greed and corruption. The text discusses the contrast between the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that the wicked flee without pursuit, while the righteous are bold. It highlights the importance of discernment in leadership and the consequences of oppression. Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, while the righteous understand what is right. It asserts that a blameless poor person is better than a rich person with perverse ways. The text warns against greed, extortion, and the consequences of concealing sins. It concludes that those who trust in the Lord will prosper, while the wicked's rise to power leads to fear, and their downfall allows the righteous to thrive.
The Nature of the Righteous and the Wicked (Verses 1-5)
- Fear vs. Boldness: The chapter opens by stating that the wicked flee in fear, even when no one pursues them, while the righteous are as bold as lions. This illustrates the inner turmoil of the wicked contrasted with the confidence derived from righteousness.
- Understanding Justice: It emphasizes that evil individuals do not grasp justice, whereas those who seek the Lord gain understanding. This highlights the importance of divine guidance in moral discernment.
Integrity Over Wealth (Verses 6-11)
- Value of Integrity: The text asserts that it is better to be poor and upright than rich and corrupt. This section stresses that true wealth lies in moral integrity rather than material possessions.
- Wisdom in Counsel: It advises against self-reliance, suggesting that seeking counsel is a sign of wisdom.
Leadership and Its Impact (Verses 12-16)
- Righteous Leadership: The chapter discusses how good leadership brings joy, while oppressive rulers lead to sin among the people. Leaders who resist corruption are promised longevity in their rule.
Consequences of Sin (Verses 17-22)
- Guilt and Its Burden: Those burdened by guilt are warned that they should not expect mercy. The text cautions against hastily pursuing wealth, which often leads to poverty.
Trusting in God (Verses 23-28)
- Rebuking vs. Flattery: The final verses stress the importance of rebuking wrongdoing over offering flattery, reinforcing that greed leads to downfall. The chapter affirms that the righteous will prosper while the wicked will ultimately fail.
Overall, it offers timeless wisdom on moral living, leadership, and the consequences of choices. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, trust in God, and righteous behavior. The chapter contrasts the fates of the righteous and wicked, encouraging believers to pursue wisdom and avoid evil. Its teachings remain relevant today for personal ethics, relationships, and societal issues.
- A Stable Government (28:1–2): Wise and knowledgeable leaders make a stable nation.
- A Pouring Rain (28:3): “A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.”
- Integrity (28:4–9): People of integrity follow the Lord and understand justice. God does not answer the prayers of the evil, who are unjust and ignore the law.
- The Blessings of the Godly, the Plight of the Godless (28:10–15): Honest people inherit good things; everyone is glad when they succeed. If people confess their sins and stubbornness and adopt a tender conscience, they will receive mercy.
- The Rise of the Just, the Fall of the Unjust (28:16–20): An honest king will have a long reign, but a stupid king will oppress the people. The honest will be rescued, while the crooked are destroyed.
- Partiality and Punishment (28:21): It is never good to show favoritism, but some may do so for almost nothing.
- Being Critical (28:22–24): “People appreciate frankness more than flattery.”
- Greed and Generosity (28:25–28): “Greed causes fighting.… Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing.”
STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BlueLetter (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
Bible.com (Lexham English Bible)
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- What does the rambling of this chapter sound like: (a) Angry street corner preacher? (b) Learned political science professor (c) Wise grandma? (d) Police captain? (e) Other?
- What is the point of all this "law and order" talk? Who is the intended audience: Top brass? The ruling class? The underclass? Victims of injustice? Teachers? Parents? Why do you think so?
- What law is to be upheld? How is it to be applied? What abuses of that law and their victims are singled out here?
- What point is made more vivid by the "lion" figure of speech (Proverbs 28:1,15)? By the "driving rain" (Proverbs 28:3)?
- Who are the "wicked"? What is their behavior like? What impact do they have on others (Proverbs 28:1, 4-5, 12, 15, 28)? What will be their comeuppance (Proverbs 28:8-11, 13-15, 17-18, 22, 27)?
- When this justice prevails, what will the poor be and do (Proverbs 28:6, 8, 11, 19-20)?
- What is the message in all this for rulers, teachers, parents, pastors and for those who follow them (Proverbs 28:2, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20, 24)?
- Why confess or renounce sins? Why not cover them up (Proverbs 28:13,14,17)? Why not wait for someone to expose or rebuke the sin (Proverbs 28:23), in the hope that will buy time or save face?
APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.
Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
- What is the difference between (a) trusting in self (v. 26), (b) self-confidence and (c) trusting in the Lord (v. 25)? Which trust is foolish? Commendable? Prosperous? Which trust level is higher for you: (a), (b) or (c)?
- Which half of verses Proverbs 28:6,19 and 20 are true for you? In what way is it "better" to be poor? In what way can one be rich and blameless, or rich and unpunished?
- How is Proverbs 28:17 a commentary on these Bible stories: Cain and Abel? Saul and David? Judas and Jesus? Saul and the early Christians? How were these characters tormented by their guilt? How can one be rid of this torment?
- Of what do we "rob" parents (Proverbs 28:24): Their life savings? Dignity? Their jobs? What kind of parent robbery is tantamount to "murder" (as in Proverbs 28:17)?
- Whose favor is to be gained in Proverbs 28:23? What will this favor gain you and when? Is it worth waiting for in the situation facing you?
- Ruling and leading occur frequently in this chapter. Of the many "rulers" (Proverbs 28:2) you have (at work, home, church, state), how do you make sense or maintain order in all that? Who is it that you are following and obeying? Are you sure of where you're being led (Proverbs 28:10)? Do you really want to go "there"? What allegiance for you is the integrating one?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- What transformative move needs to be made?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others via social media links at this bottom.
Take Away Challenges
- What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
- Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
- What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
PRAYER: Father, I pray that I would always trust in You and not in man. I know that when I do, I will be led down the path of life and prosperity. In the Name of Jesus.
#Faithfulness
Proverbs 5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. 17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. 18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. - Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
- Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
- Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
- Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
- Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
- Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
- Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
- Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
- Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her [the virtuous woman], so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Other Resources:
- Audio Recordings
Through the Word = Audio
Proverbs 28 - https://app.throughtheword.org/proverbs-get-wisdom
Discovery Bible Study
Articles
Devotions
- Links
Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for helping to make this useful.
