Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 28

The wicked flee when no man pursueth. — Compare the curse pronounced upon Israel for disobedience (Leviticus 26:17; Leviticus 26:36).

The righteous are bold as a lion. — Compare Leviticus 26:8; 1 Samuel 17:32 and following; Psalms 91:1 and following.

For the transgression of a land many are the princes of it. —Compare 1 Kings 15:27 and following, and indeed the whole history of the kingdom of Israel as compared with the regular succession of the family of David in accordance with the promise of Psalm 89:33.

The state of it will be prolonged—that is, its settled condition. Or it may signify “right” (that is, authority) “continues.”

A poor man that oppresseth the poor.— If the recollection of his own former troubles has not softened his heart towards his poor neighbors, he will be rendered more callous to their sufferings.

Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.— That sweeps away grain and soil, instead of bringing plenty with it.

They that forsake the law praise the wicked. —The mark of extreme wickedness .

But such as keep the law contend with them. —Just as the sight of ill-doing was the one thing which roused our Lord to wrath, while insults and wrongs offered to Himself were passed by unnoticed.

Evil men understand not judgment. —Or, what is right. For God reveals Himself only to those who fear Him (Psalms 25:14, compare to 1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 John 2:20); they, by following the light they have, are guided into all truth (John 16:13); the evil, by continually shutting their eyes to the light, at last cannot see it, even if they would (John 12:39 and following).