Proverbs 28:15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 28:15

It is written indeed, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people; but if he be a wicked ruler, that oppresses the people, especially the poor people, robbing them of the little they have and making a prey of them, whatever we may call him, this scripture calls him a roaring lion and a ranging bear. 1. In respect of his character. He is brutish, barbarous, and blood-thirsty; he is rather to be put among the beasts of prey, the wildest and most savage, than to be reckoned of that noble... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 28:15

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear ,.... Which are both terrible; the lion that roars for want of food, or when it is over its prey; and the hear, when it runs from place to place in quest of provision, being "hungry and very desirous" of food, has a keen appetite, as some think the word F12 שוקק "avidus", Pagninus, Montanus; "famelicus", Castalio, Schultens; "esuriens", V. L. Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Bochart; "adpetens", Michaelis. signifies. The Targum and Jarchi take it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:1-25

(latter part) The source of disturbance and the secret of security We hardly need the pen of the wise man to assure us that— I. SIN MEANS DISTURBANCE TO OUR SOUL . 1 . It is bad enough to be unfortunate ; to suffer from privation or loss. 2 . It is far worse to be guilty . We soon accommodate ourselves to our misfortunes; we readily adjust ourselves to our circumstances, even though these may be very narrow. But sin strikes deep, and its wound lasts long.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:1-28

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:12-28

Hidden manhood The two main truths here taught have been anticipated by a foregoing proverb, viz. the advantage to society of promoting the good; and the injury done by the advancement of the wicked (see Proverbs 11:10 ). But there is a truth suggested by the wise man's language which does not elsewhere appear; he says that when the wicked rise "a man is hidden," that "men hide themselves." The fact here alluded to is clear enough; we have often read, or have frequently observed, that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:15

A wicked ruler over the poor people; a people weak and resourceless. To such a powerful tyrant is as fatal as a roaring lion or a hungry bear prowling in quest of food. The prophets compare evil rulers to ravenous lions (see Jeremiah 4:7 ; Ezekiel 19:6 ). They are like lions in strength and cruelty, like bears in craft and ferocity. Septuagint, "A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf is he, who, being poor, rules over an indigent nation." The poverty of the subjects embitters the conduct of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:15-16

The wicked ruler I. THE SIMILE . ( Proverbs 28:15 .) He is like a fierce and devouring beast. No pity softens his bosom; no justice regulates his conduct. Complaint provokes further exactions; resistance kindles him into fury. He looks upon his people, not as a flock to be tended, but to be preyed upon. He roars around them like the nightly bear about the fold. Such monsters have often appeared in history. II. THE SOURCE OF OPPRESSION . It lies in the ignorance of the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 28:15

Proverbs 28:15. As a roaring lion and a ranging bear Always cruel and greedy in their natures, and especially so when they are hungry and want prey; in which case the lions roar, and bears range about for it; so is a wicked ruler Instead of being a nursing father, and a faithful and tender shepherd, as he ought to be, he is a cruel and insatiable oppressor of his subjects; over the poor people Whom he particularly mentions to aggravate this wicked ruler’s sin, in devouring them whom the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 28:1-28

Selfish ambition (28:1-28)A bad conscience makes a person a coward, but a clear conscience gives a person courage (28:1). Some characteristics of a corrupt society are instability in the government, exploitation of fellow citizens (even among the poorer classes), lawlessness, reversal of moral standards, injustice and greed. In spite of this, some will always remain true to God (2-7).Even those who are religious may be guilty of exploiting the poor and misleading the upright, but their... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 28:15

roaring = growling while devouring his prey, not roaring (as he springs upon it). read more

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