Bible Commentaries
JFB Critical & Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Proverbs 28
A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold (Proverbs 14:26; Psalm 27:1).
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.
(Compare Proverbs 10:6). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.
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.
(Compare Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 21:27).
hearing — that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers (Psalm 66:18; John 4:24).
great glory — or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34).
a man hidden — that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.
(Compare Psalm 32:3-5). Concealment of sin delivers none from God‘s wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Psalm 51:4).
feareth — that is, God, and so repents.
hardeneth his heart — makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent (Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 29:1).
The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psalm 7:2; Psalm 17:12).
The prince understanding — that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.
blood, etc. — or, that is oppressed by the blood of life (Genesis 9:6), which he has taken.
to the pit — the grave or destruction (Proverbs 1:12; Job 33:18-24; Psalm 143:7).
stay him — sustain or deliver him.
(Compare Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 20:4).
vain persons — idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked (Proverbs 12:11; Psalm 26:4).
rich — implying deceit or fraud (Proverbs 20:21), and so opposed to “faithful” or reliable.
(Compare Proverbs 28:20).
evil eye — in the general sense of Proverbs 23:6, here more specific for covetousness (compare Proverbs 22:9; Matthew 20:15).
poverty him — by God‘s providence.
(Compare Proverbs 9:8, Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 27:5). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.
(Compare Matthew 15:4-6). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.
of a proud heart — literally, “puffed up of soul” - that is, self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious.
made fat — or, “prosperous” (Proverbs 11:25; Proverbs 16:20).
(Compare Proverbs 11:24-26).
hideth his eyes — as the face (Psalm 27:9; Psalm 69:17), denotes inattention.
The elevation of the wicked to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare Proverbs 28:12; Proverbs 11:10; Psalm 12:8).
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