Verses 1-28
CHAPTER 28 Warnings and Instructions Continued
The wicked is a coward; the righteous man, because he trusteth in the Lord and knows the Lord is on his side, is as bold as a lion. It is the conscience which makes a coward of the wicked man.
This chapter has many sharp contrasts and important warnings and exhortations. We point out a few. Those who forsake the law, turn their backs upon the revelation of God, refuse obedience to Him, praise the wicked, they make common cause with them. Those who keep the law, obey God’s Word, are contenders for the faith Proverbs 28:4. Evil men are blind, but with seeking the Lord comes understanding, the blind eyes are opened Proverbs 28:5. A wise son is he who keepeth the law; such was Solomon till he plunged into apostasy and darkness Proverbs 28:7. Then in the ninth verse is another pithy saying. He “that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” It is the same truth as stated in Psalms 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
An important message is contained in Proverbs 28:13. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Every attempt to cover up sin is a failure. How much of this is done today, not merely the covering of individual sins, but the denial of sin itself. The modern theology useth much ingenious argumentation which tries to make out of sin something else; speaks of it as a mere defect, as if it were some kind of a taint in the blood, a hereditary and therefore unavoidable weakness, something for which man is not responsible. All these inventions, which sweep aside the declarations of the infallible Word of God, are “covering up.” No mercy can there be for those who deny sin and sins. The fig leaves must be torn away with which man still tries to cover his nakedness. There must be confession, repentance, self-judgment and then of course trust in Him who died for the ungodly.
The next proverb Proverbs 28:14 contains a beatitude. “Happy--or blessed--is the man that feareth always.” He who has found forgiveness is sheltered by the precious blood, walks in newness of life and in godly fear all the day long.
We mention Proverbs 28:25 and Proverbs 28:26 : “Trust in the LORD brings blessing; and he that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.”