What does Proverbs 28:3 mean?
Rain can nourish crops, but a harsh, beating rain can flood a field or mangle plants. What should have been a good thing becomes a curse. In a similar way, those who are poor could work for one another's mutual benefit. When one of those persons abuses the other, instead, there is great harm. Some commentators suggest this proverb is meant to express what happens when a formerly poor ruler forgets his humble origins and takes advantage of the people. In either case, those being oppressed could be friends or allies of the oppressor, if they were to act righteously.The New Testament provides an example of this attitude. Jesus relates a parable about an unforgiving servant: a man who begs his master to forgive his debt, then cruelly assaults another servant who owes him money (Matthew 18:23–35).
Proverbs 28:1–12 uses multiple contrasts. These teach lessons about righteousness and justice, honesty, integrity, reputation, and culture. Many of the proverbs are structured to directly compare two opposite ideas.
This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.
