TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 28:4.
Note, 1. Those that praise the wicked make it to appear that they do themselves forsake the law, and go contrary to it, for that curses and condemns the wicked. Wicked people will speak well of one another, and so strengthen one another's hands in their wicked ways, hoping thereby to silence the clamours of their own consciences and to serve the interests of the devil's kingdom, which is not done by any thing so effectually as by keeping vice in reputation. 2. Those that do indeed make conscience of the law of God themselves will, in their places, vigorously oppose sin, and bear their testimony against it, and do what they can to shame and suppress it. They will reprove the works of darkness, and silence the excuses which are made for those works, and do what they can to bring gross offenders to punishment, that others may hear and fear.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
The Stoics laid down their doctrine on the basis that the goal is to live according to nature, using the word nature improperly rather than “God,” since nature applies to plants, crops, trees and stones. At any rate, there is the clear statement, “Scoundrels think nothing of the law, but those who love the law set it in front of them like a wall.” For “the wisdom of able men will understand the paths of wisdom, but the folly of fools goes in the wrong direction.”
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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 and truth.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 28 is situated within the "Sayings of Solomon" (chapters 25-29), a collection characterized by concise, often antithetical statements designed to highlight the contrasting outcomes of righteous and wicked behavior. This verse exemplifies the book's didactic approach, presenting a clear "either/or" choice that emphasizes the direct consequences of one's moral allegiance. It seamlessly integrates into the broader sapiential tradition of Proverbs, which aims to impart practical wisdom for navigating life, consistently emphasizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and the ultimate source of true discernment. The immediate verses within chapter 28 continue to explore themes of justice, leadership, and the societal impact of individual moral choices, reinforcing the pervasive message that righteousness leads to stability and blessing, while wickedness invites chaos and ruin.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, "the law" (Hebrew: Torah) was far more than a mere legal code; it represented the comprehensive divine instruction given by God, primarily through Moses, encompassing moral, ethical, and ceremonial precepts for national and individual life. It was revered as the foundational covenantal guide for living in relationship with Yahweh and for establishing a just and blessed society. To "forsake" this law was understood as a profound act of rebellion against God's authority and a deliberate departure from the path of life, inevitably leading to societal decay and individual ruin. Conversely, "keeping" the law implied not just intellectual assent but active, diligent obedience and an unwavering commitment to upholding its principles in all spheres of life, including confronting injustice and wickedness within the community. This deep cultural understanding of Torah as divine wisdom and the bedrock of societal order is crucial for grasping the full weight and implications of the proverb's message.
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 objective 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, which pronounces woe upon those who call evil good and good evil. 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. 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
This primitive root means to loosen, relinquish, or permit. In the context of "forsaking the law," it signifies a deliberate act of abandonment, a letting go of divine instruction. It implies a conscious turning away from or neglect of God's standards, rather than mere forgetfulness. This action leads to a severance from the moral anchor provided by divine revelation.
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 or passive acceptance, but an active affirmation and promotion of unrighteousness.
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 signifies not passive resistance but a proactive disputing, striving, or even going to law against those who practice unrighteousness, reflecting a zealous commitment to justice.
Verse Breakdown
"They that forsake the law praise the wicked:"
This clause establishes the first half of the antithetical parallel, revealing a profound moral consequence. Those who abandon or neglect God's divine instruction (the Torah) demonstrate a perverted moral compass. Their departure from the objective 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 holy character and a dangerous moral inversion.
"but such as keep the law contend with them."
This clause presents the stark contrast, highlighting the righteous response. 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, principled engagement against evil, involving speaking truth, challenging injustice, and standing for righteousness in society, reflecting a commitment to God's justice.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 28:4 is Antithetical Parallelism. This is a foundational characteristic of Hebrew wisdom literature, where two contrasting lines or clauses are juxtaposed to highlight a moral or theological truth through opposition. 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 and a departure from God's created order.
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, a divine blueprint for human flourishing and societal order. 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, actively confronting evil rather than condoning it.
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 pervasive 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, for the glory of God and the good of humanity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "forsake the law" mean in this context?
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"?
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.
How should believers "contend with" the wicked today?
"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. 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). Furthermore, Jesus actively contended with wickedness in its purest forms. He confronted the hypocrisy of the religious leaders (Matthew 23), cast out demons (Mark 1:34), and ultimately, through His atoning work on the cross, contended with and triumphed over sin, death, and the devil (Colossians 2:15). 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), 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). 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.