Proverbs 28:4
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Original Language Analysis
ת֝וֹרָ֗ה
the law
H8451
ת֝וֹרָ֗ה
the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
2 of 8
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
יְהַֽלְל֣וּ
praise
H1984
יְהַֽלְל֣וּ
praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
3 of 8
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
רָשָׁ֑ע
the wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֑ע
the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
4 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וְשֹׁמְרֵ֥י
but such as keep
H8104
וְשֹׁמְרֵ֥י
but such as keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
ת֝וֹרָ֗ה
the law
H8451
ת֝וֹרָ֗ה
the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
6 of 8
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
Cross References
Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.Matthew 14:4For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.Matthew 3:7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?Psalms 49:18Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.1 Kings 18:18And 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.Acts 15:2When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.Psalms 10:3For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.1 John 4:5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.1 Kings 18:21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Historical Context
Israel's prophets contended with false prophets who praised wicked kings and people, having forsaken God's law. True prophets who kept the law confronted wickedness, often at great personal cost.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you tempted to forsake biblical standards to avoid contending with wickedness?
- How do you see contemporary culture praising what God calls wicked?
- What does faithful contending for truth look like in your context?
Analysis & Commentary
Those who forsake God's law 'praise the wicked,' but those who keep it 'contend with them.' The Hebrew 'azab torah' (forsake law) and 'shamar torah' (keep law) create moral antithesis. Abandoning God's standards leads to celebrating wickedness; upholding them requires opposing evil. Reformed theology affirms the law's continuing role in revealing sin and guiding righteousness. Cultural accommodation always begins with forsaking God's Word. Standing for biblical truth inevitably means contending against wickedness. Neutrality is impossible.