Proverbs 28:5
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Original Language Analysis
אַנְשֵׁי
men
H582
אַנְשֵׁי
men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבִ֥ינוּ
understand
H995
יָבִ֥ינוּ
understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
4 of 9
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
not judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
not judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּמְבַקְשֵׁ֥י
but they that seek
H1245
וּמְבַקְשֵׁ֥י
but they that seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
6 of 9
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.Psalms 92:6A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.1 John 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Historical Context
Israel's wicked kings couldn't understand justice despite access to God's law (Jeremiah 5:4-5). Understanding required more than information; it required heart transformation through seeking God.
Questions for Reflection
- How has seeking God increased your understanding of justice and righteousness?
- In what areas do you lack understanding that could come from more earnestly seeking the Lord?
- What is the relationship between spiritual seeking and moral discernment?
Analysis & Commentary
Evil people 'understand not judgment,' but those seeking the Lord 'understand all things.' The Hebrew 'biyn mishpat' (understand judgment/justice) is impossible for the wicked. Spiritual blindness prevents moral understanding. Meanwhile, those who seek Yahweh gain comprehensive understanding. This doesn't mean omniscience but wisdom to discern right from wrong. Reformed theology affirms that natural man cannot understand spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14). Only the Spirit opens eyes to truth. Seeking God is prerequisite to understanding His justice.