What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:4? Those who forsake the law “Those who forsake the law” points to people who deliberately turn away from God’s revealed standards. The “law” in Proverbs includes all of God’s commands, not only the Mosaic code but every divine instruction that guides righteous living (Psalm 19:7–11). • Turning away is a choice. Proverbs 1:29 shows that some “hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.” • Abandoning God’s law always carries moral consequences. Psalm 119:53 speaks of “rage because of the wicked who forsake Your law.” • The underlying attitude is rebellion, identical to the spirit described in Judges 21:25, where “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Praise the wicked To “praise” here means to applaud or endorse. When God’s standards are set aside, moral discernment collapses, and evil is celebrated instead of condemned (Isaiah 5:20). • Ephesians 5:11 urges believers to “have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Those who forsake the law do the opposite: they join and cheer. • Romans 1:32 describes people who “approve of those who practice” evil, highlighting that approval is itself sinful. • This praise emboldens wickedness, creating an environment where sin multiplies unchecked (Proverbs 29:16). But those who keep the law Keeping the law is active loyalty to God’s commands, rooted in love for Him (John 14:15). It’s not legalistic drudgery; it’s covenant faithfulness. • Psalm 1:2 calls the righteous man blessed because “his delight is in the law of the LORD.” • Obedience brings clarity. Psalm 119:104 testifies, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” • 1 John 2:3–5 links keeping God’s word with assurance that we know Him, showing obedience as the mark of genuine faith. Resist them “Resist” is the natural outcome of loving God’s law; righteousness cannot remain silent in the face of evil (James 4:7). • Psalm 94:16 asks, “Who will rise up for me against the wicked?” The keeper of the law answers that call. • Proverbs 24:24–25 warns that saying to the wicked, “You are righteous,” invites curses, but rebuking them brings blessing. • Acts 5:29 shows the apostles choosing obedience to God over approval from men, modeling rightful resistance. Practical expressions of resistance today include: – Refusing to participate in immoral practices (Daniel 3:16–18). – Speaking truth with grace when culture applauds sin (Ephesians 4:15). – Upholding justice and mercy even when unpopular (Micah 6:8). summary Proverbs 28:4 draws a sharp line: ignoring God’s law leads to celebrating evil, while obeying His law naturally leads to confronting it. Scripture presents this as an unavoidable divide; neutrality is impossible. For the believer committed to God’s Word, love of righteousness prompts resistance to wickedness, preserving both personal integrity and societal health. |
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