Proverbs 28:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

They that forsake {H5800} the law {H8451} praise {H1984} the wicked {H7563}: but such as keep {H8104} the law {H8451} contend {H1624} with them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who abandon Torah praise the wicked, but those who keep Torah fight them.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

American Standard Version

They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:4 presents a profound moral dichotomy, illustrating the inherent alignment between one's relationship with divine instruction and their stance toward evil. It asserts that those who abandon God's revealed will inevitably commend or celebrate wickedness, while those who diligently adhere to His law are compelled to actively oppose and contend with unrighteousness. This proverb underscores the foundational role of God's wisdom in shaping moral discernment and fostering a society committed to justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is part of the "Sayings of Solomon" (chapters 25-29), a collection characterized by short, pithy statements often employing antithetical parallelism to highlight contrasting outcomes of righteous and wicked behavior. This verse, like many others in Proverbs, presents a clear "either/or" choice, emphasizing the direct consequences of one's moral allegiance. It fits within the broader sapiential tradition of the book, which aims to impart practical wisdom for navigating life, emphasizing the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge and the source of true discernment. The immediate verses in chapter 28 continue to explore themes of justice, leadership, and the consequences of moral choices, with a strong emphasis on the societal impact of individual righteousness or corruption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "the law" (Hebrew: *Torah*) was not merely a legal code but the comprehensive divine instruction given by God, primarily through Moses, encompassing moral, ethical, and ceremonial precepts for national and individual life. It was considered the foundation of a just and blessed society, a covenantal guide for living in relationship with Yahweh. Forsaking this law was seen as a rejection of God's authority and a departure from the path of life, leading to societal decay and individual ruin. Conversely, keeping the law implied not just intellectual assent but active obedience and a commitment to upholding its principles in all spheres of life, including confronting injustice and wickedness within the community. This cultural understanding of *Torah* as divine wisdom and societal bedrock is crucial for grasping the proverb's weight.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Moral Alignment**, demonstrating that one's disposition towards God's law directly determines their moral compass. To abandon divine truth is to lose the standard by which to judge good and evil, leading to a perverse celebration of what is inherently wicked. This moral inversion is a recurring warning in Scripture, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Active Opposition to Evil**, portraying those who adhere to the law not as passive observers but as active participants in the struggle for righteousness. Their commitment to God's standards compels them to "contend with" (or strive against) wickedness, reflecting a proactive stance against injustice and moral decay. This call to actively pursue justice resonates with the prophetic cry for righteousness to "roll down like waters" in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down"). Finally, the proverb implicitly speaks to **Societal Impact**, suggesting that the moral health and stability of a community are directly tied to the collective adherence to God's law and the willingness of its members to confront evil. A society where the law is forsaken becomes one where wickedness flourishes and is even praised, leading to corruption and eventual ruin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** H5800. This primitive root means to loosen, relinquish, or permit. In the context of the law, it signifies an act of abandonment, a letting go of divine instruction, often implying a deliberate turning away or neglect. It's not merely forgetfulness but a conscious decision to relinquish one's commitment to God's standards.
* **praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** H1984. A primitive root meaning to be clear, to shine, to make a show, to boast, or to celebrate. When applied to the wicked, it denotes an active commendation, glorification, or even a celebratory approval of their actions or character. This is a strong term, indicating not just tolerance but active affirmation.
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** H8451. Derived from a root meaning to teach or instruct, *Torah* refers to divine instruction, precept, or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch. It encompasses God's revealed will, moral principles, and guidance for life, serving as the standard for righteousness and justice.
* **contend (Hebrew, _gârâh'_):** H1624. A primitive root meaning to grate, to anger, or figuratively, to contend, meddle, stir up, or strive. In this context, it implies an active, often confrontational, engagement against the wicked. It's not passive resistance but a proactive disputing, striving, or even going to law against those who practice unrighteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that forsake the law praise the wicked:"** This clause establishes the first half of the antithetical parallel. Those who abandon or neglect God's divine instruction (the *Torah*) demonstrate a perverted moral compass. Their departure from the standard of righteousness leads them to commend, celebrate, or even boast about the wicked (Hebrew: *râshâʻ*, H7563), who are defined as morally wrong or actively bad persons. This "praise" can manifest as active support, passive silence, or a normalization of evil, indicating a fundamental misalignment with God's character.
* **"but such as keep the law contend with them."** This clause presents the stark contrast. Those who diligently "keep" (Hebrew: *shâmar*, H8104 - to guard, protect, attend to, observe) God's law are characterized by an active opposition to the wicked. Their adherence to divine instruction compels them to "contend" or strive against unrighteousness. This contention is not merely personal disagreement but an active engagement against evil, speaking truth, challenging injustice, and standing for righteousness in society.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 28:4 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This is a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, where two contrasting lines or clauses are juxtaposed to highlight a moral or theological truth. Here, the actions and dispositions of "those who forsake the law" are set in direct opposition to "such as keep the law," demonstrating the divergent paths and outcomes of these two approaches to divine instruction. This creates a powerful **Contrast**, emphasizing the clear distinction between righteous and unrighteous behavior and their respective societal impacts. Furthermore, the first clause illustrates a form of **Moral Inversion**, where the abandonment of divine standards leads to the perverse act of praising what is inherently evil, highlighting a profound spiritual blindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 28:4 profoundly illustrates the inseparability of theology and ethics, asserting that one's relationship with God's revealed will directly shapes their moral judgment and societal engagement. The "law" here is more than mere rules; it is God's character expressed in terms of righteous living. To forsake it is to forsake the very standard of truth and goodness, leading to a spiritual and moral vacuum that is readily filled by the affirmation of wickedness. Conversely, to keep the law is to align oneself with God's righteousness, compelling an active stance against all that opposes His holy nature. This verse underscores the biblical principle that true faith is never passive but always expresses itself in a commitment to justice and truth, confronting evil rather than condoning it.

* [Psalm 1:1-2](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-2 - The Blessed Man and the Law")
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good")
* [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:4 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to examine our own hearts and actions in relation to God's truth and the presence of evil in the world. It challenges any notion of passive Christianity, calling believers to an active, discerning engagement with the moral landscape around them. Are we truly upholding God's standards, or have we, perhaps subtly, begun to accommodate or even celebrate aspects of culture that contradict His revealed will? This proverb demands that our commitment to God's law translates into a courageous willingness to speak truth to power, to stand against injustice, and to refuse to normalize or praise what God condemns. It reminds us that our silence in the face of evil can be interpreted as complicity, or worse, as a form of praise. Therefore, living out this proverb means cultivating a deep love for God's law, allowing it to sharpen our moral vision, and empowering us to contend righteously against all forms of wickedness, both personally and societally.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in society might I be inadvertently "praising the wicked" through silence, apathy, or compromise?**
* **What does it practically look like for me to "keep the law" and "contend with" wickedness in my sphere of influence today?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater love for God's law (His instruction and wisdom) so that it truly shapes my moral discernment and actions?**
* **What specific steps can I take to actively oppose injustice or unrighteousness in my community or public discourse, in a way that honors God?**

### FAQ
**What does "forsake the law" mean in this context?**

Answer: To "forsake the law" means to abandon, neglect, or turn away from God's divine instruction and moral principles, often referred to as the *Torah*. It implies a deliberate choice to disregard God's revealed will as the standard for life, leading to a departure from righteous living and a distorted moral compass. This is not merely ignorance but a conscious rejection or neglect of the guidance that God has provided for human flourishing and a just society.

**Why do those who forsake the law "praise the wicked"?**

Answer: When individuals or societies forsake God's law, they lose the objective standard by which to discern good from evil. Their moral framework becomes subjective, often shaped by personal desires, cultural trends, or self-interest. In this vacuum, what is inherently wicked may be re-labeled as good, progressive, or acceptable. Praising the wicked can manifest as active commendation, celebrating their actions, excusing their behavior, or even passively tolerating injustice without protest. It reflects a fundamental moral inversion where light is called darkness and darkness light, as warned in [Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good").

**How should believers "contend with" the wicked today?**

Answer: "Contending with" the wicked involves actively opposing unrighteousness and standing for God's truth and justice. This does not necessarily mean physical conflict or violence. Instead, it encompasses a range of actions: speaking truth in love, advocating for justice, exposing corruption, living righteously as a counter-cultural witness, challenging false narratives, praying for righteousness, and engaging in civil discourse. It means not being silent in the face of evil but rather letting our light shine before others, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine"). It is a proactive stance against moral decay, rooted in a deep commitment to God's law and His character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profoundest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the living embodiment of God's law, not merely keeping it but perfectly fulfilling it in every aspect of His life, death, and resurrection. Where humanity consistently failed to keep the law and often praised wickedness, Jesus perfectly upheld God's righteous standards. He did not forsake the law but declared, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, Jesus actively contended with wickedness in its purest forms. He confronted the hypocrisy of the religious leaders ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), cast out demons ([Mark 1:34](/mark/1-34 "Mark 1:34 - Jesus Casts Out Many Demons")), and ultimately, through His atoning work on the cross, contended with and triumphed over sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Believers, united with Christ, are now empowered by His Spirit to live out the second half of this proverb. We are called not to forsake the law (which is now written on our hearts by the Spirit, as promised in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), but to keep it through faith in Him, and to contend with wickedness by bearing witness to His truth and light in a fallen world ([Ephesians 5:8-11](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8-11 - Walk as Children of Light")). Our ability to discern and resist evil flows from our relationship with the One who perfectly kept the law and decisively defeated the wicked one.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:32

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Matthew 14:4

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Matthew 3:7

¶ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Psalms 49:18

Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and [men] will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

1 Kings 18:18

And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

2 Kings 3:13

And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.