Proverbs 28:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

NIV: Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

NASB: Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

CSB: A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.

NLT: A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

KJV: As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

NKJV: Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.

Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) was a man of peace who ruled his people wisely and judged them fairly. He observes here the effect an ungodly ruler (Proverbs 28:16) has on his oppressed subjects. Whether by violence, repression, hardship, or other means, the evil tyrant drives people into hiding. Here, the mention of "a poor people" suggests heavy taxation or theft and other types of direct abuse. People afflicted this way respond to a tyrant's leadership as to an aggressive predator: by hiding (Proverbs 28:12). Godly rulers inspire confidence and security in their people; the people learn to trust that the leader will do what is right (Proverbs 28:2; 29:2). Many of history's most notorious dictators ruled by fear and intimidation.

In Moses' day, Pharaoh ruled Egypt with a heavy hand. He made life especially hard for the Hebrews, enslaving them. Seeking to curtail the Hebrew population, he assigned cruel masters "to afflict them with heavy burdens" (Exodus 1:11). The taskmasters "ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves" (Exodus 1:13–14).

Proverbs 28:13–28 features several lessons about generosity and greed. The passage also notes the importance of integrity and honesty. Some proverbs contained here combine these ideas, speaking of work ethic, fairness, care for the poor, and so forth.

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.