◄ Proverbs 28:4 ►
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
Study Bible
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.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "forsaking the law" manifest in today's society, and what are some practical ways to guard against it?

2. In what ways can believers actively resist the influence of wickedness in their personal lives and communities?

3. How does keeping God's law help in discerning and resisting the subtle forms of wickedness that may not be immediately obvious?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between aligning with God's law or conforming to societal pressures. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

5. How can the principles in Proverbs 28:4 be applied to strengthen the moral and spiritual fabric of a church community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 1
This passage contrasts the way of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the blessings of delighting in and meditating on God's law.

Romans 1:32
Highlights the approval of wickedness by those who reject God's truth, similar to the praise of the wicked by those who forsake the law.

James 4:7
Encourages believers to submit to God and resist the devil, paralleling the resistance to wickedness by those who keep the law.
Sermons
Canons of Moral TruthE. Johnson Proverbs 28:1-5
The Source of Disturbance and the Secret of SecurityW. Clarkson Proverbs 28:1, 13, 25
The Practice and Effect of Sin and RighteousnessW. Clarkson Proverbs 28:4, 5
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Contend, Evil-doer, Forsake, Forsaking, Keeping, Law, Plead, Praise, Resist, Respect, Strive, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 28:4

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A Sermon (No. 3500) by C. H. Spurgeon, April 4th, 1875, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. Published February 24th, 1916. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper."--Proverbs 28:13. "Thou Hast covered all their sins."--Psalm 85:2. In these two texts we have man's covering, which is worthless and culpable, and God's covering, which is profitable and worthy of all acceptation. No sooner had man disobeyed his Maker's will in the garden of Eden than he discovered to his surprise and dismay …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

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A Sermon (No. 2971) published on Thursday, January 18th, 1906, delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on Thursday evening, September 2nd, 1876. "Happy is the man that feareth alway."--Proverbs 28:14. But did not John say that "fear hath torment?" Then how can he be happy who hath fear, and especially he who hath it always. Did not John also say that "perfect love casteth out fear?" How is it then that he is happy in whom love is not made perfect, if so be that the fear …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

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1 John i. 9.--"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins", &c. The current of sin dries not up, but runs constantly while we are in this life. It is true, it is much diminished in a believer, and it runs not in such an universal flood over the whole man as it is in the unbeliever. Yet there is a living spring of sin within the godly, which is never ceasing to drop out pollution and defilement, either upon their whole persons, or, at least, to intermingle it with their …
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"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
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2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
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Adoption
'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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