Proverbs 28:4
New International Version
Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.

New Living Translation
To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.

English Standard Version
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.

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

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

New King James Version
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.

New American Standard Bible
Those who abandon the Law praise the wicked, But those who keep the Law strive against them.

NASB 1995
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.

NASB 1977
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.

Amplified Bible
Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them.

Christian Standard Bible
Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law pit themselves against them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law battle against them.

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

Contemporary English Version
Lawbreakers praise criminals, but law-abiding citizens always oppose them.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those who abandon [God's] teachings praise wicked people, but those who follow [God's] teachings oppose wicked people.

Good News Translation
If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them.

International Standard Version
Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked, but whoever keeps it fights them.

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

NET Bible
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law contend with them.

New Heart English Bible
Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked; but those who keep the Law contend with them.

Webster's Bible Translation
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

World English Bible
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Those forsaking the Law praise the wicked, "" Those keeping the Law plead against them.

Young's Literal Translation
Those forsaking the law praise the wicked, Those keeping the law plead against them.

Smith's Literal Translation
They forsaking the law will praise the unjust: and they watching the law, shall contend with them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
They that forsake the law, praise the wicked man: they that keep it, are incensed against him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.

New American Bible
Those who abandon instruction praise the wicked, but those who keep instruction oppose them.

New Revised Standard Version
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law struggle against them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Those who forsake the law glory in wickedness; but those who keep the law receive strength.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Those that forsake the Law praise evil and those that keep the Law strengthen their souls.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Boldness of the Righteous
3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. 5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.…

Cross References
Psalm 119:53
Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law.

Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.

Romans 1:32
Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.

Romans 1:18
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ...

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.

Ephesians 5:11
Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

1 John 3:4
Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness.

Matthew 5:19
So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

James 4:4
You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.

1 Peter 4:3-4
For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. / Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.

John 3:19-20
And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.


Treasury of Scripture

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

that

1 Samuel 23:19-21
Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? …

Psalm 10:3
For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.

Psalm 49:18
Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

but

1 Samuel 15:14-24
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? …

1 Samuel 22:14,15
Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? …

1 Kings 18:18,21
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…

Jump to Previous
Contend Evil-Doer Forsake Forsaking Keeping Law Plead Praise Resist Respect Strive Wicked
Jump to Next
Contend Evil-Doer Forsake Forsaking Keeping Law Plead Praise Resist Respect Strive Wicked
Proverbs 28
1. general observations of impiety and integrity














Those who forsake the law praise the wicked
This phrase highlights the moral decline that occurs when individuals abandon God's commandments. In the biblical context, "the law" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which contain God's instructions for righteous living. Forsaking the law implies a rejection of divine authority and a preference for human wisdom, which often leads to moral relativism. Historically, Israel faced numerous periods of apostasy, where neglecting the law resulted in societal chaos and idolatry, as seen in the time of the Judges (Judges 21:25). Praising the wicked suggests an endorsement or admiration of those who live contrary to God's standards, reflecting a heart that is aligned with sin rather than righteousness. This aligns with Romans 1:32, where Paul describes those who not only practice unrighteousness but also approve of others who do the same.

but those who keep the law resist them
In contrast, this phrase emphasizes the role of the faithful in upholding God's standards. Keeping the law involves not only adherence to the commandments but also a commitment to living a life that reflects God's holiness. This resistance is not merely passive but involves actively standing against the influence of wickedness. The historical context of Israel shows that leaders like Josiah (2 Kings 22-23) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8) led reforms to return the people to the law, resisting the prevailing culture of disobedience. This resistance is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16), preserving righteousness and illuminating truth in a corrupt world. The ultimate fulfillment of the law is found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly kept the law and empowers believers to live righteously through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:3-4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Law
Refers to the divine instructions given by God, primarily through the Mosaic Law, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil guidelines for living a life pleasing to God.

2. The Wicked
Individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments, often characterized by immoral and unjust behavior.

3. Those Who Forsake the Law
People who abandon or neglect God's commandments, leading to a lifestyle that aligns with wickedness.

4. Those Who Keep the Law
Individuals who adhere to God's commandments, striving to live righteously and resist evil influences.

5. Resistance
The act of opposing or standing against the influence and actions of the wicked, as a result of adhering to God's law.
Teaching Points
The Importance of God's Law
God's law serves as a moral compass, guiding believers in righteous living and helping them discern right from wrong.

Consequences of Forsaking the Law
Abandoning God's commandments leads to moral decay and alignment with wickedness, resulting in spiritual and societal harm.

The Role of the Righteous
Those who keep the law are called to actively resist evil, standing firm in their faith and influencing others towards righteousness.

Praise and Resistance
Our actions and attitudes reflect our allegiance; praising the wicked indicates a departure from God's law, while resisting them shows commitment to His commandments.

Community and Accountability
Believers are encouraged to surround themselves with a community that upholds God's law, providing support and accountability in resisting wickedness.(4) They that forsake the law praise the wicked.--The mark of extreme wickedness. (Comp. Romans 1:32.)

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.

Verse 4. - They that forsake the Law praise the wicked. This they do because they love iniquity, and like to see it extend its influence, and arm itself against the good, who are a standing reproach to them. St. Paul notes it as a mark of extreme wickedness that gross sinners "not only do the same iniquities, but have pleasure in them that do them" (Romans 1:32). Such as keep the Law contend with them; are angry with them. They are filled with righteous indignation; they cannot hold their peace when they see God's Law outraged, and must have the offenders punished (comp. 1 Kings 19:14; Psalm 74:11. etc.; Psalms 119:136, 139; 139:21). The LXX. connects this verse with the latter part of the preceding, thus: "As an impetuous and profitless rain, thus those who forsake the Law praise ungodliness; but they who love the Law raise a wall around themselves."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Those who forsake
עֹזְבֵ֣י (‘ō·zə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

the law
ת֭וֹרָה (ṯō·w·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

praise
יְהַֽלְל֣וּ (yə·hal·lū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1984: To shine

the wicked,
רָשָׁ֑ע (rā·šā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

but those who keep
וְשֹׁמְרֵ֥י (wə·šō·mə·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

the law
ת֝וֹרָ֗ה (ṯō·w·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

resist
יִתְגָּ֥רוּ (yiṯ·gā·rū)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1624: To stir up (strife), engage in strife

them.
פ (p̄)
Punctuation
Strong's Hebrew


Links
Proverbs 28:4 NIV
Proverbs 28:4 NLT
Proverbs 28:4 ESV
Proverbs 28:4 NASB
Proverbs 28:4 KJV

Proverbs 28:4 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 28:4 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 28:4 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 28:4 French Bible
Proverbs 28:4 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 28:3
Top of Page
Top of Page