Justice, Righteousness, and the Results of Rebellion
Proverbs 28:1-28
Pro.28.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נסו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- רדף: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצדיקים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ככפיר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יבטח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 27:1 (thematic): Both verses contrast fear with confident trust—’The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?’ parallels the righteous’ boldness like a lion.
- Psalm 112:7-8 (verbal): Speaks of the righteous having no fear of bad news and their hearts being steadfast because they trust the LORD, echoing the image of the righteous’ fearless confidence.
- Proverbs 3:25-26 (structural): Within Proverbs, this passage pairs lack of fear with trust in the Lord’s protection (‘do not be afraid of sudden terror…for the LORD will be your confidence’), paralleling the contrast in 28:1.
- Proverbs 1:33 (allusion): Promises safety and dwelling secure for those who listen to wisdom—similar theme of the righteous’ security versus the wicked’s fear.
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): God’s command ‘fear not…I will strengthen you’ echoes the motif that the righteous (who rely on God) have boldness and need not flee in fear.
Alternative generated candidates
- The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
- The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Pro.28.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בפשע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- שריה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובאדם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כן: ADV
- יאריך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 29:2 (thematic): Contrasts national well‑being under righteous versus wicked rulers—when evil rules the people suffer, echoing Proverbs 28:2's link between leaders' character and the land's fate.
- Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 (thematic): Warns 'woe to you, O land, when your king is a child' and blesses a land with a capable ruler—directly parallels the contrast between many rulers/wickedness and stability through a prudent leader.
- Proverbs 11:14 (thematic): Affirms that sound guidance or many counselors brings safety and stability, paralleling 28:2's claim that understanding and knowledge sustain a land.
- Proverbs 16:12 (thematic): Asserts that wickedness in a king is abhorrent and that righteous rule establishes the throne—relates to 28:2's concern with rulers' morality affecting national endurance.
Alternative generated candidates
- When a land sins, its rulers multiply; yet with an understanding person, knowledge endures.
- When a land sins it has many rulers; but with an understanding, knowledgeable man it will endure.
Pro.28.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גבר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- רש: VERB,qal,inf
- ועשק: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סחף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 22:16 (verbal): Also condemns those who oppress the poor to enrich themselves; a verbal/thematic parallel about exploiting the needy leading to ruin.
- Amos 5:11 (thematic): Denounces trampling on the poor and exacting grain — links social exploitation of the poor with economic deprivation and judgment.
- Job 24:2-4, 9-10 (thematic): Describes the wicked seizing livelihood and leaving the needy without food or shelter, echoing the image of oppression producing lack of bread.
- Psalm 10:2-11 (thematic): Laments the proud who persecute and oppress the poor; parallels the moral complaint against injustice that harms the needy.
Alternative generated candidates
- A violent man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no bread.
- A poor man who oppresses the lowly is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
Pro.28.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עזבי: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,pl
- תורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהללו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמרי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- תורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יתגרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 1:1-2 (thematic): Contrasts the person who avoids the counsel of the wicked and delights in the law of the LORD with those who align themselves with wickedness; both passages set law-keeping against association with the wicked.
- Proverbs 28:5 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same proverb sequence: verse 4 contrasts abandoning/keeping the law with attitude toward the wicked, and verse 5 continues the contrast between the wicked and those who seek the LORD (understanding justice).
- Proverbs 17:15 (thematic): Denounces those who justify the wicked or condemn the righteous—echoes the moral inversion implicit in praising the wicked when the law is forsaken.
- Isaiah 5:20 (verbal): Condemns calling evil good and good evil, a related denunciation of moral reversal that follows from abandoning divine instruction and thereby endorsing wickedness.
- Amos 5:10 (thematic): Speaks of people who hate the one who reproves and abhor those who speak the truth—parallels the idea that keepers of the law must contend with or oppose those who praise the wicked.
Alternative generated candidates
- Those who abandon instruction praise the wicked; those who keep instruction contend with them.
- Those who abandon instruction praise the wicked, but those who keep instruction contend with them.
Pro.28.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יבינו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומבקשי: CONJ+PART,ptc,pres,m,pl,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יבינו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:7 (verbal): Both assert that 'the fear of the LORD' (seeking/acknowledging Yahweh) is the ground of knowledge/wisdom, while fools or the wicked reject instruction and so lack understanding.
- Psalm 111:10 (verbal): States that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and that those who practice it have good understanding—parallel claim that seekers of Yahweh comprehend all.
- Hosea 4:6 (thematic): Declares that lack of knowledge of God brings ruin ('my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge'), echoing the idea that the wicked lack true understanding while knowledge of Yahweh brings insight.
- Daniel 12:10 (thematic): Contrasts the wicked, who do not understand, with the wise/intelligent who do—closely parallels the contrast between evil men lacking judgment and those who seek the Lord understanding all.
Alternative generated candidates
- Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things.
- Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all.
Pro.28.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- רש: VERB,qal,inf
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- בתמו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- מעקש: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- דרכים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- עשיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.16:8 (verbal): Same contrast of righteousness/integrity versus ill‑gotten riches: ‘Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.’
- Prov.19:1 (verbal): Closely parallel proverb form—praising a poor person who walks in integrity over one who is perverse or rich but crooked.
- Prov.11:4 (thematic): Contrasts the value of righteousness with the futility of wealth: riches do not deliver in time of judgment, but righteousness saves.
- Ps.37:16 (thematic): Same moral evaluation: ‘Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked,’ prioritizing moral standing over wealth.
Alternative generated candidates
- Better is a poor man who walks in integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
- Better is the poor who walks in integrity than one who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Pro.28.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נוצר: VERB,nifal,perf,3,m,sg
- תורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ורעה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זוללים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יכלים: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.10.1 (verbal): Direct verbal and thematic parallel: contrasts a wise son who brings joy to his father with a foolish son who brings sorrow—same filial honor/disgrace motif.
- Prov.15.20 (verbal): Closely echoes the language and theme—'a wise son makes a glad father' versus the foolish child's dishonoring behavior, akin to keeping the law vs. joining gluttons.
- Prov.13.1 (verbal): Emphasizes the obedient, discerning son who heeds a father's instruction in contrast to the scoffer who rejects correction—parallels 'keeping the law' as wise filial conduct.
- Prov.23.20-21 (thematic): Warns against associating with drunkards and gluttons and the ruin that follows; parallels the negative outcome of being a companion of gluttons who shames his father.
- Prov.17.25 (thematic): Describes a foolish son as a grief or shame to his father—resonates with the outcome in Prov 28:7 where companionship with gluttons brings parental disgrace.
Alternative generated candidates
- A son who keeps discipline is discerning, but one who associates with gluttons disgraces his father.
- A son who keeps instruction will be wise; a companion of gluttons will bring shame to his father.
Pro.28.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מרבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הונו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בנשך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותרבית: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לחונן: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,_,_,_
- דלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יקבצנו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 15:5 (verbal): Explicitly condemns putting out money at interest—echoes the moral-legal concern with gaining by usury found in Prov 28:8.
- Exodus 22:25 (verbal): Legal prohibition against charging interest to the poor; provides the law background for negative views of wealth gained through interest.
- Leviticus 25:35-37 (thematic): Commands provision for the needy and forbids taking interest from them, paralleling Prov 28:8's critique of enrichment at the expense of the poor.
- Deuteronomy 23:19-20 (verbal): Distinguishes treatment of interest between fellow Israelites and foreigners—reflects ancient regulations about interest that inform Proverbs' stance.
- Nehemiah 5:7-11 (thematic): Narrative account condemning fellow Israelites for exacting interest and extorting the poor and commanding restoration—practical enforcement of the ethic criticized in Prov 28:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- One who increases his wealth by charging interest and taking bribes gathers it for the generous toward the poor.
- He who increases his wealth by interest and extortion gathers it for one who is kind to the poor.
Pro.28.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מסיר: VERB,hiph,ptc,3,m,sg
- אזנו: NOUN,f,sg,suff
- משמע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גם: ADV
- תפלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- תועבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 1:15 (verbal): God refuses to hear the prayers of those whose hands are full of sin—'when ye make many prayers, I will not hear' parallels Proverbs' link between disobedience to Torah and prayers being rejected.
- Isaiah 59:1-2 (thematic): Sin (iniquity) separates from God so that he does not hear—echoes the idea that turning away from the law results in one's prayer being unaccepted.
- Psalm 66:18 (verbal): If one cherishes sin in the heart, the LORD will not hear—closely parallels Proverbs' causal connection between moral refusal (not listening to instruction) and prayer being abomination.
- Jeremiah 11:14 (verbal): A prophetic injunction not to pray for a rebellious people because God will not hear them—parallels the theme that God's refusal to hear follows persistent disobedience.
- Amos 5:23-24 (thematic): God rejects ritual worship when justice and righteousness are absent—similar to Proverbs' claim that pious-sounding prayer is offensive when one ignores God's instruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- If one turns his ear away from hearing instruction, even his prayer is an abomination.
- He who turns his ear from hearing instruction—even his prayer is an abomination.
Pro.28.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משגה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישרים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בשחותו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,suff,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יפול: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ותמימים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ינחלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Prov.26:27 (verbal): Uses the same proverbial image—one who digs a pit (or causes harm) will fall into it—close verbal/structural parallel about retributive justice.
- Psalm 7:15-16 (verbal): Describes a man digging a pit and falling into the ditch he made; the mischief returns on his own head—same motif of self‑inflicted punishment.
- Psalm 9:15-16 (verbal): Speaks of sinking into the pit one has made and being caught in one’s own net—similar image of perpetrators falling into their own traps.
- Prov.13:21 (thematic): Contrasts the destiny of evildoers with the reward of the righteous—‘evil pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good,’ echoing the promise that the blameless inherit good.
- Psalm 37:9-11 (thematic): Contrasts the fate of the wicked with the inheritance granted to the righteous/meek—‘the meek shall inherit the land,’ aligning with the theme that the blameless inherit good.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever causes the upright to wander into an evil way will himself fall into it; the blameless will inherit good.
- When the righteous stray into the way of evil they will fall; the upright will inherit good.
Pro.28.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודל: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מבין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחקרנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:12 (verbal): Uses the same wording and idea — ‘wise in his own eyes’ — criticizing self-assured wisdom and self-deception.
- Isaiah 5:21 (verbal): Condemns those ‘wise in their own eyes,’ a prophetic parallel that denounces prideful self‑judgment like Prov. 28:11.
- Proverbs 12:15 (thematic): Contrasts a person who thinks his way is right with one who listens and gains wisdom, echoing the theme that self-confidence ≠ true insight.
- Proverbs 28:26 (thematic): Warns that trusting one’s own mind is folly, paralleling Prov. 28:11’s critique of those who are self-deceived despite wealth or status.
Alternative generated candidates
- A rich man deems himself wise, but a discerning poor man sees through him.
- A rich man is wise in his own sight, but the discerning poor man searches him out.
Pro.28.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בעלץ: PREP
- צדיקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רבה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- תפארת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובקום: CONJ
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יחפש: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.29.2 (verbal): Closely parallels wording and antithetical structure: when the righteous rule/are in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule the people mourn/hide.
- Prov.11.10-11 (verbal): Similar contrast linking the well-being of the righteous with communal rejoicing and the downfall or rise of the wicked with public distress.
- Prov.14.34 (thematic): Shares the theme that righteousness brings honor/blessing to a society, whereas wickedness brings reproach or harm to the people.
- Isa.32.1-2 (thematic): Contrasts righteous rule as providing safety/refuge (a hiding place) with the insecurity and oppression associated with unrighteous leaders—echoing the image of people hiding when the wicked rise.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the righteous are in power there is great honor; when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
- The triumph of the righteous brings great glory; when the wicked prevail, people go into hiding.
Pro.28.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מכסה: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- פשעיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- לא: PART_NEG
- יצליח: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- ומודה: CONJ+VERB,piel,part,?,m,sg
- ועזב: VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- ירחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 32:5 (verbal): The psalmist says he did not cover his iniquity but confessed it to the Lord and received forgiveness—language and theology closely parallel (conceal vs. confess → pardon).
- 1 John 1:9 (thematic): Promises that if we confess our sins God is faithful to forgive and cleanse—same principle linking confession and mercy/forgiveness.
- James 5:16 (structural): Commands believers to confess sins to one another and pray for healing—connects confession with restoration and mercy within the community.
- Isaiah 1:18 (thematic): Invites sinners to reason with the LORD so sins may be forgiven (‘though your sins are like scarlet… they shall be white as snow’)—repentance leading to mercy.
- Luke 15:21–24 (thematic): The prodigal’s confession (‘I have sinned…’) is met with mercy and restoration by the father, illustrating the moral of confessing and receiving compassion.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
- He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will receive mercy.
Pro.28.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשרי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפחד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תמיד: ADV
- ומקשה: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- לבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יפול: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ברעה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 14:27 (thematic): Both verses praise 'fear of the LORD' (or reverent fear) as life-giving and protective — fear leads to preservation, the opposite of falling into calamity.
- Proverbs 29:1 (verbal): Closely parallels the warning motif: stubborn/hardened neck or heart leads suddenly to destruction — a proverb linking hardening with ruin.
- Hebrews 3:12 (allusion): New Testament warning about an 'evil, unbelieving heart' that leads to falling away echoes the Proverb's link between a hardened heart and disaster.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 (thematic): Summarizes wisdom teaching by urging fear of God and obedience as the core human duty — corresponding to Proverbs' valuation of reverent fear as the wise posture.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed is the one who fears always; but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
- Blessed is the one who is always reverent; but the one who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Pro.28.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ארי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שוקק: ADJ,m,sg
- משל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עם: PREP
- דל: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.20.2 (verbal): Uses the same simile—'the roar of a lion'—to describe the terror of a ruler; a close verbal and thematic parallel comparing a ruler's violence to a predator.
- Micah 3:1-3 (thematic): Condemns leaders who 'tear' and 'devour' their people (predatory imagery); parallels the proverb's depiction of a wicked ruler preying on the poor.
- Ezekiel 34:2-4 (thematic): Seduces leaders as self‑serving shepherds who feed themselves and neglect/devour the flock—another image of rulers exploiting and oppressing the vulnerable.
- Isaiah 1:23 (thematic): Accuses leaders of rebellion, bribery, and failing to defend the needy; thematically parallels the proverb's focus on corrupt rulers oppressing the poor.
Alternative generated candidates
- A roaring lion and a charging bear—such is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
- Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a ruler who oppresses a poor people.
Pro.28.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נגיד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חסר: ADJ,m,sg
- תבונות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ורב: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- מעשקות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שנא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בצע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאריך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 29:2 (thematic): Shows the social consequences when wicked or foolish rulers prevail: the people suffer and mourn, echoing the motif of oppressive rule in Prov.28:16.
- Ecclesiastes 8:9 (thematic): Observes that under a foolish or oppressive ruler people are subjected to injustice and hardship—paralleling the depiction of a leader 'lacking sense' who increases oppression.
- Proverbs 16:12 (thematic): Contrasts the righteousness that stabilizes a throne with the abomination of a king doing evil, connecting to the condemnation of an unwise, oppressive ruler in 28:16.
- Proverbs 3:1-2 (thematic): Promises length of days for those who follow instruction—paralleling the second half of 28:16 which links hating ill-gotten gain with prolonged life.
- Proverbs 10:2 (thematic): Contrasts ill-gotten gain with the life-delivering effect of righteousness, echoing Prov.28:16’s negative valuation of unjust gain and the positive result of rejecting it.
Alternative generated candidates
- A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor; but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
- A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor; he who hates dishonest gain will prolong his days.
Pro.28.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בדם: PREP
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- בור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ינוס: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- יתמכו: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,pl
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 35:30–31 (structural): Law concerning one who kills a person: the murderer is to be put to death and no ransom is to be accepted for his life — parallels the prohibition against supporting/covering one who shed blood.
- Deuteronomy 19:4–6, 11–13 (structural): Regulations about cities of refuge and distinguishing accidental manslaughter from deliberate murder; stresses flight/ refuge and the community’s duty not to shield a guilty slayer.
- Psalm 7:14–16 (thematic): Imagery of the wicked devising mischief, digging a pit and falling into it — parallels the motif of violent wrongdoing leading to ruin and retributive consequence.
- Proverbs 26:27 (verbal): “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it” — a proverbally similar warning that violent or malicious actions bring about the perpetrator’s downfall.
- 1 Kings 2:31–33 (allusion): Solomon’s refusal to accept intercession for Joab because he shed blood without wisdom — echoes the principle that those guilty of bloodshed should not be protected or supported.
Alternative generated candidates
- One who wrongfully sheds blood will flee to the pit—let no one support him.
- One who wrongfully sheds blood will flee to the pit; let no one support him.
Pro.28.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- תמים: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יושע: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- ונעקש: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- דרכים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יפול: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- באחת: PREP
Parallels
- Proverbs 10:9 (verbal): Similar wording and contrast: walking blameless/with integrity versus perverting one's ways leading to exposure or downfall.
- Proverbs 11:3 (thematic): Contrasts the integrity of the upright, which guides and preserves them, with the crookedness of the treacherous that brings destruction.
- Proverbs 2:21-22 (thematic): Affirms that the upright/blameless will live in the land while the wicked and treacherous are cut off—life for the righteous versus ruin for the perverse.
- Psalm 1:6 (structural): Uses the same two-way structure (way of the righteous vs. way of the wicked) and concludes with preservation of the righteous and perishing of the wicked.
- Psalm 37:18-20 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD’s knowledge and care for the blameless and the sudden destruction or disappearance of the wicked—echoing salvation for the upright and sudden fall for the perverse.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who walks in integrity will be saved; the crooked in their ways will suddenly fall.
- He who walks uprightly will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
Pro.28.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אדמתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישבע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומרדף: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישבע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ריש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 12:11 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and thought: ‘Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,’ matching the contrast between productive labor and pursuing worthless pursuits.
- Proverbs 10:4 (thematic): Contrasts diligence and laziness—‘lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth’—same cause-and-effect between work and provision.
- Proverbs 13:4 (thematic): Shows the same principle: the diligent are satisfied/richly supplied while the sluggard goes without, paralleling reward for honest labor.
- Proverbs 21:5 (thematic): Links careful, diligent planning and work to abundance and contrasts haste/rashness with poverty—complements the proverb’s link of effort to provision.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (thematic): New Testament ethical parallel: ‘If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat,’ connecting personal industry with right to sustenance.
Alternative generated candidates
- One who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but one who chases vain pursuits lacks sense.
- He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who chases fleeting things will come to poverty.
Pro.28.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמונות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- ברכות: NOUN,f,pl,const
- ואץ: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptc,act,m,sg
- להעשיר: PREP+VERB,hiphil,inf
- לא: PART_NEG
- ינקה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 21:5 (thematic): Both verses contrast patient, prudent behavior that yields abundance with hasty schemes that lead to poverty—explicitly linking haste for gain with adverse outcomes.
- Proverbs 13:11 (thematic): Warns that wealth gained quickly or by dishonest means dwindles, while steady, honest increase endures—echoing the proverb's contrast between faithful blessing and the peril of rushing to be rich.
- Proverbs 28:22 (verbal): Uses similar wording about hastening to be rich and explicitly predicts that such eagerness brings misfortune or poverty, a close verbal and thematic parallel.
- Proverbs 10:4 (thematic): Associates diligent, trustworthy behavior with provision and prosperity and contrasts it with sloth or ill-considered pursuit of gain that produces want—reinforcing the moral economy of blessing versus loss.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10 (thematic): States that the lover of money is never satisfied and suffers loss, resonating with Proverbs' critique of those who eagerly pursue wealth and the negative consequences that follow.
Alternative generated candidates
- A faithful person will receive many blessings; one who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
- A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
Pro.28.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הכר: VERB,hiphil,impv,2,m,sg
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- פת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יפשע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- גבר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- James 2:1 (thematic): Direct New Testament admonition against showing partiality among believers; echoes Proverbs' moral critique of favoritism.
- Leviticus 19:15 (verbal): Explicit legal prohibition against showing partiality in judgment—parallel legal/ethical concern with favoritism.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 (verbal): Command not to pervert justice or show partiality (including bribery); aligns with Proverbs' warning that people will transgress for a small gain.
- Proverbs 17:23 (verbal): Speaks of accepting a bribe to pervert justice—closely parallels the proverb's link between partiality/bribery and sinful conduct.
Alternative generated candidates
- Showing partiality is not good; for a morsel of bread a man will do wrong.
- Showing partiality is not good; for a morsel of bread a man will transgress.
Pro.28.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נבהל: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- להון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- ולא: CONJ
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חסר: ADJ,m,sg
- יבאנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+ENCL,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 11:24-25 (verbal): Contrasts generosity and withholding: one who withholds/hoards (like the 'evil‑eyed' stingy person) ends up in want, while scattering/giving leads to increase—closely parallels the cause‑and‑effect in 28:22.
- Proverbs 23:4-5 (thematic): Warns against exhausting oneself to gain wealth and trusting in its permanence; like 28:22 it cautions that pursuing riches can be futile and leave one unprepared for coming want.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10 (thematic): Observes that a lover of money is never satisfied and that pursuit of wealth breeds lack; thematically echoes 28:22's link between greed/avid pursuit of riches and eventual need.
- Luke 12:15-21 (Parable of the Rich Fool) (allusion): Jesus' parable condemns trust in amassed wealth and storing up for oneself—portraying greed/stinginess that leads to sudden loss—paralleling Proverbs' admonition that chasing riches brings want.
Alternative generated candidates
- A greedy man hastens after wealth and does not know that lack will come upon him.
- A greedy man is eager to get rich and does not know that want will come upon him.
Pro.28.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מוכיח: VERB,hiph,ptc,ms,sg
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ימצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ממחליק: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- לשון: NOUN,f,sg,constr
Parallels
- Proverbs 27:5-6 (thematic): Contrast between open rebuke and hidden affection: open reproof is better than flattering or secret love, affirming that honest correction is more beneficial than smooth speech.
- Proverbs 9:8 (thematic): Reproving the wise is received positively whereas a scoffer rejects correction—echoes the idea that truthful rebuke gains favor from the correct audience, unlike mere flattery.
- Psalm 141:5 (thematic): Speaks of being struck or rebuked by a righteous person as kindness (oil on the head), directly affirming that rebuke can be a form of beneficial favor rather than hostility.
- Proverbs 29:5 (thematic): Declares that he who flatters his neighbor lays a snare—contrasts the deceptive nature of flattery with the genuine good of honest rebuke emphasized in Prov 28:23.
- Proverbs 15:31-32 (thematic): Shows that accepting counsel and reproof leads to wisdom and life, reinforcing the Proverbs theme that correction (not flattering speech) produces lasting benefit.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
- He who reproves a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
Pro.28.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גוזל: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ואמו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אין: PART,neg
- פשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משחית: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.19:26 (verbal): Uses nearly the same motif—robbing one’s father or mother—and condemns the offense; closely parallels wording and social blame.
- Exod.20:12 (thematic): The command to honor father and mother provides the ethical/legal background opposed to stealing from parents.
- Deut.27:16 (thematic): Declares a curse on those who dishonor father or mother; reflects communal sanction for filial wrongdoing like theft.
- Mal.3:8-9 (verbal): Accuses people of ‘robbing’ (here, God) and links denial of wrongdoing with culpability and coming judgment—parallels the motif of theft + denial.
- Lev.19:11 (thematic): General prohibition against stealing and false dealing; places the specific crime of robbing parents within the broader Torah ethic against theft.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, ‘It is no transgression,’ is an accomplice to a destroyer.
- Whoever robs his father and mother and says, “It is no transgression,” is partner to the one who destroys.
Pro.28.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יגרה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובוטח: PART,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- על: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ידשן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 11:24-25 (thematic): Contrasts generosity and greed: the generous become prosperous or refreshed, whereas withholding/greed leads to want—paralleling the contrast between greed-driven strife and trusting the LORD’s provision.
- Proverbs 28:20 (thematic): Presents a similar contrast between one who is faithful (abounding in blessings) and one who hastens to be rich (punished), echoing the reward of trusting God versus the harm of greedy pursuit.
- Proverbs 28:27 (verbal): Neighboring proverb in the same chapter that juxtaposes giving to the poor (resulting in lacklessness) with ignoring need (bringing curses)—reinforcing the chapter’s theme opposing greed and commending trust/charity.
- James 4:1-3 (thematic): Explains how unmet desires and covetousness lead to quarrels and conflicts among people, paralleling the observation that greed stirs up strife.
- Matthew 6:33 (thematic): Urges seeking God’s kingdom first with the promise that needs will be provided—reflecting the New Testament parallel that trusting God (rather than pursuing riches) results in providential blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- The greedy stir up strife, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
- The haughty stir up contention, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
Pro.28.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בוטח: PART,qal,act,m,sg
- בלבו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והולך: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- בחכמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ימלט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:5 (thematic): Contrasts trusting in one’s own understanding/heart with trusting the LORD—both oppose self-reliance and commend dependence on divine wisdom.
- Proverbs 12:15 (verbal): “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” parallels the idea that reliance on one’s own judgment is foolish.
- Proverbs 26:12 (verbal): “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” echoes the condemnation of trusting one’s own heart.
- Jeremiah 17:5 (thematic): Declares judgment on those who trust in man/heart rather than the LORD, thematically condemning self-trust.
- Jeremiah 17:9 (verbal): “The heart is deceitful above all things” explains why trusting one’s heart is perilous and aligns with the proverb’s warning.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but he who walks in wisdom will escape.
- He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but whoever walks in wisdom will be delivered.
Pro.28.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נותן: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- לרש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- מחסור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומעלים: CONJ+VERB,hif,part,3,m,sg
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- מארות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 11:24-25 (verbal): Contrasts generosity and withholding: the generous person prospers and is refreshed, while the stingy suffers want—closely parallels the promise for giving to the poor and the curse for ignoring them.
- Proverbs 22:9 (verbal): States that the ‘bountiful eye’ who gives to the poor is blessed—very close verbal and thematic parallel about blessing for charitable giving.
- Proverbs 19:17 (thematic): Declares that one who is kind to the poor ‘lends to the LORD’ and will be repaid, echoing the idea that giving to the needy brings divine provision.
- Isaiah 58:7,10 (allusion): Prophetic call to share bread with the hungry and care for the oppressed, with the promise that light and righteousness will follow—connects social compassion with divine blessing.
- Matthew 25:34-40 (thematic): Jesus’ judgment scene where caring for hungry, thirsty, and needy is treated as serving Christ and is rewarded—reflects the New Testament fulfillment of the proverb’s ethic and reward motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- Those who give to the poor will lack nothing; those who close their eyes will have many curses.
- He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but the one who turns away his eyes will have many curses.
Pro.28.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בקום: PREP
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יסתר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובאבדם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירבו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,pl
- צדיקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 11:10 (verbal): Closely parallels the thought and wording: when the wicked perish there is joy (or increase) for the righteous/city—same contrast of fates.
- Proverbs 29:2 (thematic): Contrasts public condition under righteous versus wicked leadership—when the wicked rule people suffer, when the righteous rule people rejoice (similar social consequence motif).
- Psalm 37:10-11 (thematic): Promises the removal of the wicked and the inheritance/blessing of the meek/righteous—echoes the idea that the righteous flourish when the wicked are gone.
- Proverbs 14:34 (thematic): States that righteousness exalts a people while sin brings reproach—another proverb linking the moral condition of society to the welfare of the righteous versus the wicked.
- Job 21:7-16 (thematic): Presents the contrasting experience that the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer; serves as a thematic foil to Prov.28:28’s assurance that the wicked’s downfall leads to the increase of the righteous.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the wicked rise, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous multiply.
- When the wicked rise, people hide; when they perish, the righteous multiply.
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a young lion.
When a land sins, it has many rulers; but with a man of understanding and knowledge its stability endures.
One who plunders the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no bread.
Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who keep instruction contend with them.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it all.
Better is the poor who walks in integrity than the rich who is crooked in his ways.
An understanding son stores up instruction; but a companion of gluttons brings shame to his father.
One who increases his wealth by interest and extortion gathers it for one who is generous to the poor.
One who turns his ear away from hearing instruction—even his prayer is an abomination.
He who causes the righteous to stray in an evil way will fall himself, but the blameless will inherit good.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor man with discernment sees through him.
When the righteous are in authority, there is great honor; when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
Whoever conceals his transgression will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes it will obtain mercy.
Blessed is the one who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
A roaring lion and a charging bear—such is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
A ruler lacking discernment multiplies oppression, but one who hates ill‑gotten gain will prolong his days.
A man pursued for bloodshed will flee to a pit; no one will come to his support.
Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he whose ways are crooked will suddenly fall.
One who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but one who chases worthless things will have plenty of poverty.
A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.
Showing partiality is not good; for a morsel of bread a man will act wickedly.
A man eager to get rich hastens after wealth, not knowing that want will come upon him.
He who rebukes a man will afterwards find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.
Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, ‘It is no transgression,’ is a companion to a destroyer.
A greedy person stirs up strife, but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will be delivered.
One who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who turns his eyes away will have many curses.
When the wicked rise, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.