Proverbs 28 Commentary

Proverbs 28 Commentary

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though rich. Verse 6. One can be poor, but not blameless. This is a shame. To be rich and perverse is equally shameful.

The scripture isn’t contradicting itself. Poverty is to be abhorred. It’s a consequence of laziness and poor decisions. But we have hints of poverty that may come because we have walked in integrity.

We have the same argument for suffering. It lands as punishment for wickedness and poor decisions. But Jesus and His followers suffer for being righteous!

This is where the “better” comes in! You don’t count yourself blessed when you are punished for your wickedness! Or when you starve because you haven’t worked.

The scripture severally underlines ungodly wealth as both transient and fake. But it also points to the blessedness of true righteousness regardless of an outward appearance.  

Looks can deceive; this appears to be the message to the world. What many consider “wealth” could be “death”, while the poverty of the righteous could be a myth.

Fear characterizes the life of evildoers. What are they afraid of? Judgment, perhaps.

“Many rulers” is a reference to a lack of the rule of Christ in individuals. There are many voices making all sorts of decisions. But only the rule of Christ brings order. All other voices must remain quiet.

The stingy, the greedy, the wicked, and those who don’t take instructions, all have the ‘fool’ tag. These are the many rulers within the unsaved soul.

But the righteous tremble before the LORD. Let the rule of Christ prevail, they seem to say. Don’t let greediness have its way.

Take note of how the scripture describes the outcome of a blameless life. He is richly blessed. They are kept safe. Good things are done for them or to them. On the other hand, the wicked man goes out by himself to make things work for him. He rules himself.

For the righteous, life happens to them through their master. The wicked attempt to make it happen. They trust themselves. They praise their methods. They pour scorn on the rest for not making it.

The scripture seems to be saying that the saint must wait upon the LORD, even as they work diligently.

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