The Unrighteous Rulers of Proverbs 28
Proverbs 28 points out to us how wicked people behave and treat others, compared to righteous people. It tells us that when wicked people rule, our lives are harder, but our lives go better when righteous people are in leadership. Let’s look at a few select verses from Proverbs 28.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 (KJV)
The righteous are bold as a lion reminds us that we need to have backbone and we need to be bold to make things right and keep them right.
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. Proverbs 28:2 (KJV)
When a society transgresses against the Lord, it produces bad rulers. As we live right as a people, we will put in godly leaders to cause the land to prosper.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Proverbs 28:4 (KJV)
We cannot forsake God’s Word, His law, which gives the wicked the advantage. Instead, we must keep God’s Word to contend with, or challenge, ungodly leaders.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. Proverbs 28:8 (KJV)
The wealth that ungodly leaders obtained illegally is coming to the righteous.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. Proverbs 28:12 (KJV)
The righteous rejoice over good leaders, but when the wicked rise to power, the wicked ignore the desires and rights of the righteous. It is as if they become invisible. We must not leave our post, but contend for what is right until truth, righteousness, and justice prevail in our lands.
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. Proverbs 28:15 (KJV)
The wicked roar like a wild beast in order to scare their prey so they can attack and destroy them. We must be bold as a lion and confront all evil opponents to bring them down. We are not to be under attack, but on the attack. We do this through righteous means- prayer, voting, staying informed, getting involved, speaking the truth, and standing up against corruption.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. Proverbs 28:16 (KJV)
Evil leaders lack understanding and oppress those they rule. However, those who who hate covetousness (or those who are not after their own gain), will enjoy a long life and will retain their position.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. Proverbs 28:17 (KJV)
Do not support anyone who does violence, especially the shedding of blood. Those who are for abortion, unjust punishment, or lack of punishment for murderers should not be tolerated.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. Proverbs 28:21 (KJV)
A good ruler will not prefer one person over another but will enforce the rights of all citizens. Wicked people can be bought off or controlled.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. Proverbs 28:24 (KJV)
We can even see from how a leader treats his parents how he will treat those he rules.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. Proverbs 28:28 (KJV)
When the wicked rise, don’t hide in fear. Instead, be informed, know what they stand for, and get involved to contend against them. It is up to us to put the right people in positions of authority. We have authority in the earth to decree that the unrighteous will be brought low. We want the righteous to rule and increase so righteous laws are passed and upheld.
