Proverbs 28:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.

NIV: Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.

NASB: Those who abandon the Law praise the wicked, But those who keep the Law strive against them.

CSB: Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law pit themselves against them.

NLT: To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.

KJV: They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

NKJV: Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.

The Mosaic law was intended to expose sin and encourage righteous living. Shortly before his death, Moses challenged the people of Israel to choose between life and good, death and evil (Deuteronomy 30:15). He explained that by obeying the Lord's commandments, by loving the Lord, by walking in His ways, and by keeping His commandments and statutes, the people would live, multiply, and enjoy God's blessing (Deuteronomy 30:16). However, disobedience would bring punishment. The people would wither out of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 30:17–18). Moses urged the people to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19).

This proverb reinforces that same idea. Breaking moral laws is wrong, and so is applauding those who are immoral (Romans 1:32). Forsaking the law is to side with the wicked, whereas to obey the law is to oppose the wicked. Godly people should be speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), against sin (Luke 5:32), not endorsing sin or celebrating those who defy God (Isaiah 5:20).

The apostle Paul urged the believers at Philippi to lead a righteous life and thereby shine as lights in a crooked and twisted generation (Philippians 2:15). Light dispels darkness.

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.

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.