FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation Proverbs 28:6
KJVBetter is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Read it in context
The Boldness of the Righteous
Start reading at Proverbs 28:1 (Proverbs 28:1 to Proverbs 28:28).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
- 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
- 28:2 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.
- 28:3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
- 28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
- 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
- 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
- 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
- 28:8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
- 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
- 28:10 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.
- 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
- 28:12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
- 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
- 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
- 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
- 28:16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
- 28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
- 28:18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
- 28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
- 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
- 28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
- 28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
- 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
- 28:24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
- 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
- 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
- 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
- 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 25:1–29:27): The collected proverbs instruct learners, including those concerned with royal service and public conduct. The named roles are subjects of instruction rather than one assembled audience. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Boldness of the Righteous. Read Proverbs 28:1 through Proverbs 28:28 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Boldness of the Righteous (Proverbs 28:1 to Proverbs 28:28). Start reading at Proverbs 28:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 28:1, Proverbs 28:28, Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- Better is the poor that walketh in his up… Prov 28:18 Prov 16:8 Prov 19:1,22 Luke 16:19-23 Acts 24:24-27
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 28
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation The proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 10:1–22:16FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.