What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:15?

Like a Roaring Lion

“Like a roaring lion …” (Proverbs 28:15a)

• A lion roars to terrify and paralyze its prey. The verse pictures fear as a weapon.

• Scripture often pairs the roar with predatory evil: Psalm 22:13, “They open their mouths against me like lions, rending and roaring.” First Peter 5:8 likens the devil to “a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

• The comparison signals open, noisy aggression—an authority that intimidates rather than protects.

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Or a Charging Bear

“… or a charging bear …” (Proverbs 28:15a)

• A bear that has been startled or robbed of her cubs becomes uncontrollably violent (see Hosea 13:8).

• Unlike the lion’s roar, the bear’s sudden rush speaks of brute, unchecked force.

• Together, lion and bear form a composite image: relentless intimidation plus overwhelming strength.

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Is a Wicked Ruler

“… is a wicked ruler …” (Proverbs 28:15b)

• The predator metaphor lands on human leadership: political power can turn savage.

• Wicked here is moral, not merely incompetent. Isaiah 10:1-2 condemns rulers “who issue oppressive decrees.” Mark 10:42 warns that earthly rulers “lord it over” their subjects.

• Such leaders mirror the lion’s roar and bear’s charge: they actively devour rather than serve.

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Over a Helpless People

“… over a helpless people.” (Proverbs 28:15b)

• The Hebrew idea is “poor” or “needy,” but the focus is vulnerability.

• Ezekiel 34:4 rebukes shepherds who “have ruled with force and cruelty.” Proverbs 29:2 contrasts the rejoicing of the people under the righteous with the groaning under the wicked.

• God repeatedly sides with the powerless—Psalm 72:4 calls good rulers to “crush the oppressor” on behalf of the weak. Here, the helpless are prey when leaders turn predatory.

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Summary

Proverbs 28:15 paints tyranny in vivid animal imagery: predators (lion, bear) equal oppressive leadership. A wicked ruler terrorizes and crushes those least able to defend themselves. Scripture calls leaders to shepherd, not devour; when they instead roar and charge, the vulnerable suffer. The verse is a sober warning to rulers and a comfort to the afflicted, affirming that God sees and names such injustice.