Proverbs 28:1
What does Proverbs 28:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 28:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 28:1 means
This proverb contrasts the behavior of the wicked and the righteous, highlighting their internal states. The wicked are depicted as being in a perpetual state of fear and paranoia, fleeing even when there is no external threat. This imagery suggests a guilt-ridden conscience or a deep-seated insecurity that causes them to anticipate judgment or retribution. Their flight is not from a physical pursuer but from their own inner turmoil. In stark contrast, the righteous are characterized by their unwavering courage, likened to a lion. The lion, a symbol of strength and fearlessness, represents the boldness that stems from a clear conscience, trust in God, and living in accordance with His will. Their confidence is intrinsic, not dependent on external circumstances.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer. And the righteous as a young lion is confident.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth: but the just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Context
Proverbs 28 is a chapter filled with various wisdom sayings, often contrasting the upright with the wicked, much like the broader book of Proverbs. This particular verse fits seamlessly into the chapter's overarching theme of distinguishing between righteous and unrighteous living and their respective consequences. Before this verse, the chapter discusses themes of leadership, justice, and the impact of sin on a nation. Following it, the chapter continues to explore aspects of integrity, humility, and the benefits of seeking wisdom. The chapter as a whole is a collection of aphorisms, not a direct dialogue, so the "speaker" is the collective wisdom tradition embodied in the book.
v.1This passage
v.2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understandingandknowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Leviticus 26:17
And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be smitten before your enemies: they that hate you shall rule over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.
- Deuteronomy 28:7
Jehovah will cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thee: they shall come out against thee one way, and shall flee before thee seven ways.
- Acts 4:13
Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
- Daniel 6:10
And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem); and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
- Psalms 46:2
Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas;
- 2 Kings 7:6
For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.
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