Proverbs

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31

Proverbs 28 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Proverbs 28 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

King James Version

SAB comment

My comment

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

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.

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 with them.

5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

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.

8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

If you don't listen to and follow the laws of Moses, then don't even try praying, because your prayer will become an abomination.

That his prayer will be an abomination means that God will not hear him in the day of his distress. He has rejected God all his life, and when he in the end will see that this life is not of one's own making, but that we all depend on God, he might cry to God, but then God will no longer hear him.
The law here is in particular the Ten Commandments, because the heathen did not have to follow the Mosaic laws for example. But it is also the word of God in general.

10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

"To have respect of persons is not good."
(Treat everyone with disrespect.)

The word respect in this context is to judge them according to their status in society, not to the quality of their case. One should not do that, neither in court, nor in the Church.

22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

If you are greedy then you must have an "evil eye." This verse is often used to support the idea that the bible condemns gambling.
Does the bible condemn gambling?

I do not know to whom the author of the SAB refers when he says this verse is quoted by some. The reference to gambling is shallow. The point that Solomon makes here is that getting rich by stealing for example, instead of working and accumulating wealth, is wrong. Any approach where wealth is not gained through honest means is condemned here. The end does not sanctify the means.
On gambling see Neh. 10:34.

23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.