Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
CHAPTER 28
1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold (Pro 14:26; Psa 27:1).
2. Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each.
but by a man...prolonged—or, "by a man of understanding—that is, a good ruler—he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.
3. A poor man, etc.—Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.
4. They that forsake...wicked—Wrongdoers encourage one another.
5. (Compare Jhn 7:17). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.
6. (Compare Pro 10:6). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.
7. (Compare Pro 17:25).
riotous men—or, "gluttons" (Pro 23:20-21).
8. usury...unjust gain—(Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of wealth.
9. (Compare Pro 15:8; 21:27).
hearing—that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers (Psa 66:18; Jhn 4:24).
10. (Compare Pro 26:27).
11. A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.
12. great glory—or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation (Pro 14:34).
a man...hidden—that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.
13. (Compare Psa 32:3-5). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Psa 51:4).
14. feareth—that is, God, and so repents.
hardeneth his heart—makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent (Pro 14:16; 29:1).
15. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psa 7:2; 17:12).
16. The prince...understanding—that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.
17. doeth violence...blood, etc.—or, that is oppressed by the blood of life (Gen 9:6), which he has taken.
to the pit—the grave or destruction (Pro 1:12; Job 33:18-24; Psa 143:7).
stay him—sustain or deliver him.
18. (Compare Pro 10:9; 17:20). Double dealing is eventually fatal.
19. (Compare Pro 10:4; 20:4).
vain persons—idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked (Pro 12:11; Psa 26:4).
20. maketh haste...rich—implying deceit or fraud (Pro 20:21), and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.
21. respect of persons— (Pro 24:23). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.
22. (Compare Pro 28:20).
evil eye—in the general sense of Pro 23:6, here more specific for covetousness (compare Pro 22:9; Mat 20:15).
poverty...him—by God's providence.
23. (Compare Pro 9:8-9; 27:5). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.
24. (Compare Mat 15:4-6). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.
25. of a proud heart—literally, "puffed up of soul"—that is, self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious.
made fat—or, "prosperous" (Pro 11:25; 16:20).
26. (Compare Pro 3:6-8).
walketh wisely—that is, trusting in God (Pro 22:17-19).
27. (Compare Pro 11:24-26).
hideth his eyes—as the face (Psa 27:9; 69:17), denotes inattention.
28. The elevation of the wicked to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare Pro 28:12; 11:10; Psa 12:8).