(13) He that covereth his sins.—As Adam and Eve did, when they had transgressed (Genesis 3:8), as David did to his own loss (Psalms 32:3.)Whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy, and be at once completely forgiven; though he must still suffer the punishment due for his offences (2 Samuel 12:14, sqq.), and will, for having yielded to temptation, be the less able to resist it when next assailed by it. read more
(14) Happy is the man that feareth alway lest he should fall, and so, distrusting himself, seeks heavenly aid (Philippians 2:12).He that hardeneth his heart.—(Comp. Exodus 8:15, sqq.)Shall fall into mischief.—As he will have lost the guidance and protection of God. read more
(15) A ranging bear—i.e., wandering hungrily in great want of food.Over the poor people—i.e., a people too weak to resist him, over whom he can tyrannise without fear. read more
(16) A prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor.—Thereby losing the love of his people, and at the same time impoverishing them; thus killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. He also by his misdeeds draws down upon himself God’s anger in the shape of an early death. Comp. the woe pronounced upon Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:13, sqq.). read more
(17) A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person.—Rather, that is burdened with his blood, has wilfully murdered any one.Shall flee to the pit.—Fulfilling the curse of Genesis 9:6.Let no man stay him—i.e., attempt to rescue him from the punishment he has deserved. read more
CHAPTER 29AN ASPECT OF ATONEMENT"He that hideth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy."- Proverbs 28:13"Happy is the man that feareth alway but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief."- Proverbs 28:14"The fear of the Lord tendeth to life, and he that hath it shall abide satisfied. He shall not be visited with evil."- Proverbs 19:23"By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord men depart from... read more
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... read more
28:8 He that by interest and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather {c} it for him that will pity the poor.(c) For God will take away the wicked usurer, and give his goods to him that will bestow them well. read more
28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] {d} abomination.(d) Because it is not of faith which is grounded on God’s word or law which the wicked contemn. read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 28:12
(12) When righteous men do rejoice—i.e., prosper, or triumph.There is great glory.—Men rejoice, and array themselves in their gayest attire.A man is hidden.—Literally, is sought for. They hide themselves for fear (comp. Proverbs 28:28), and must be sought for, in order to be found. read more