Proverbs 28:12. A man is hidden— Houbigant renders the verse, When just men have the rule, the citizens are much honoured; when a wicked man is in the chief place, they fall. See Proverbs 28:28. This is similar to a sentiment of Mr. Addison's: When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway, The post of honour is a private station. read more
12. great glory—or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). a man . . . hidden—that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule. read more
13. (Compare :-). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent ( :-). read more
D. Instructive Contrasts chs. 28-29Most of the proverbs in this section are couplets, and most of them set forth a truth by means of a contrast. read more
Observations relating chiefly to Social Life2. Cp. the many changes of rulers during the unsatisfactory period described in 2K15.3. The addition of a single Hebrew letter gives ’wicked’ instead of poor. 4. See the account of Phinehas (Numbers 25). But the law here means religious and moral teaching in general. 5. Cp. 1 John 2:20.8. Unjust gain] RV ’increase.’ The OT. denounced usury and interest because it was assumed that the borrower was a person in distress (Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19;... read more
(12) When righteous men do rejoice—i.e., prosper, or triumph.There is great glory.—Men rejoice, and array themselves in their gayest attire.A man is hidden.—Literally, is sought for. They hide themselves for fear (comp. Proverbs 28:28), and must be sought for, in order to be found. read more
(13) He that covereth his sins.—As Adam and Eve did, when they had transgressed (Genesis 3:8), as David did to his own loss (Psalms 32:3.)Whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy, and be at once completely forgiven; though he must still suffer the punishment due for his offences (2 Samuel 12:14, sqq.), and will, for having yielded to temptation, be the less able to resist it when next assailed by it. read more
CHAPTER 29AN ASPECT OF ATONEMENT"He that hideth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy."- Proverbs 28:13"Happy is the man that feareth alway but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief."- Proverbs 28:14"The fear of the Lord tendeth to life, and he that hath it shall abide satisfied. He shall not be visited with evil."- Proverbs 19:23"By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord men depart from... read more
CHAPTER 28 Warnings and Instructions Continued The wicked is a coward; the righteous man, because he trusteth in the Lord and knows the Lord is on his side, is as bold as a lion. It is the conscience which makes a coward of the wicked man. This chapter has many sharp contrasts and important warnings and exhortations. We point out a few. Those who forsake the law, turn their backs upon the revelation of God, refuse obedience to Him, praise the wicked, they make common cause with them. Those who... read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 28:13
"He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy."This admonition should not be construed as teaching any such thing as "auricular confession" after the manner of the Roman church. Christians are not commanded to confess to any kind of prelate, or representative of any church. We are commanded to confess our sins "one to another" (James 5:16); and that is a mutual affair. Also it is said that every tongue shall "Confess to God"... read more