Proverbs 28:4

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 28:4 presents a stark contrast between two types of people: those who abandon divine principles and those who uphold them. It highlights the direct correlation between one's relationship with God's law and their stance on wickedness in society.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often presenting antithetical parallels to illustrate the consequences of righteous versus unrighteous living. This verse fits squarely within the book's overarching theme of practical wisdom for daily life, emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's moral and ethical commands. It reflects a worldview where the "law" (Hebrew: Torah) is not merely a legal code but divine instruction for a flourishing life and a just society.

Key Themes

  • Moral Alignment: The verse reveals that one's attitude towards God's law dictates their view of good and evil. Those who "forsake the law" naturally find themselves condoning or even celebrating wickedness, either through active support or passive silence. Their moral compass is broken, leading them to praise what God condemns.
  • Active Opposition to Evil: In direct opposition, those who "keep the law" are characterized by their willingness to "contend with" the wicked. This isn't just about personal piety but about actively challenging injustice, speaking truth to power, and resisting evil influences. It suggests a proactive stance against moral decay. This active resistance echoes the call to let justice roll down like waters.
  • Societal Impact: The verse implies that the moral health of a society depends on the prevalence of individuals who uphold God's law and are willing to confront wickedness. A society where the law is forsaken becomes one where evil is praised and normalized.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "law" here is Torah (ืชึผื•ึนืจึธื”), which broadly means "instruction," "teaching," or "guidance," not just legal statutes. It refers to God's revealed will and moral principles. The word "praise" (halal, ื”ึธืœึทืœ) can mean to boast, commend, or even celebrate, indicating an active approval or glorification of the wicked. Conversely, "contend" (rib, ืจึดื™ื‘) signifies to strive, dispute, or go to law against someone, denoting an active, often confrontational, opposition to the wicked and their ways.

Practical Application

Proverbs 28:4 challenges believers to examine their own stance on moral issues. It calls us not to be passive observers of injustice or moral decline but to be active defenders of righteousness. This means:

  • Upholding God's Standards: Consistently grounding our values and actions in God's word, rather than conforming to worldly standards that may celebrate what is evil.
  • Speaking Out Against Injustice: Having the courage to confront wickedness, whether it's in public discourse, personal relationships, or systemic issues. Silence in the face of evil can be interpreted as complicity or even praise.
  • Living Righteously: Our own lives should reflect the law we claim to keep, giving credibility to our contention against the wicked. This active engagement is part of what it means to be salt and light in the world.

The verse serves as a powerful reminder that true adherence to God's law demands not just personal obedience but also a bold, public stand against anything that opposes His righteous character.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 1:32 (11 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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

  • Matthew 14:4 (7 votes)

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

  • Matthew 3:7 (6 votes)

    ยถ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 18:18 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.