2026.09.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 28:1–8

Read Proverbs 28:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: Who flee, when (Proverbs 28:1a)? Who are bold as what (verse 1b)? What causes a land to have many princes (Proverbs 28:2a)? What can come by means of just one righteous man (verse 2b–c)? Who (Proverbs 28:3a) is like what (verse 3b)? Whom do law-forsakers praise (Proverbs 28:4a)? What do law-keepers do with the same group (verse 4b)? Who do not understand justice (Proverbs 28:5a)? Who are the opposite (verse 5b)? What type of man (Proverbs 28:6a) is better than what other type of man (verse 6b)? What sort of son is a discerning one (Proverbs 28:7a)? What type does what instead (verse 7b)? How might one increase possessions (Proverbs 28:8a)? But who will end up with them (verse 8b)? 

What does a king need most? Proverbs 28:1–8 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what we need most is righteousness.

We most need righteousness because the Lord rules over all things. So, the wicked, who have the Lord against them, need no creaturely pursuer to be under terror (Proverbs 28:1a). But the righteous, who know that the Lord is for them, fear no creaturely attacker (verse 1b). Proverbs 28:2 may be saying that where sin multiplies, it is necessary that government increase to restrain it. But it is more likely saying that the Lord sovereignly visits wicked nations with the chastening of governmental instability like that of the northern kingdom in 1 Kings 16:8–22. And this sovereignty extends to ultimate outcomes: all true wealth will ultimately belong to the godly (Proverbs 28:8)

Also, we most need righteousness, because it is a right relation to YHWH’s revelation of Himself. Man is made in God’s image, so to oppress him is to reject the Lord Himself. A man who mistreats image-bearers is like that rain that should have been refreshing but strips people bare instead (Proverbs 28:3). He fails to seek YHWH (Proverbs 28:5).

Again, we most need righteousness, especially in authorities, because this is God’s way of restraining sin. If wickedness is going to be suppressed, it will be by those who keep the law (Proverbs 28:4b), not those who forsake it (verse 4a). Government by the righteous (v6a) is much better than government by the wealthy (Proverbs 28:6b).

Finally, we most need righteousness, because otherwise we are vulnerable to our own impulses. Such is the glutton, and his companions. Rehoboam, indeed, would end up bringing shame to his father’s kingdom (Proverbs 28:7), precisely because he followed his friends, rather than godly wisdom (cf. 1 Kings 12:6–10). 

What is a situation in which you have thought that you needed wealth or influence or power, but what you really needed was righteousness? What do you look for and pray for in the government?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for giving Your Son, our Lord Jesus, to be our King of righteousness. Please, count Him as our righteousness, and make us to be righteous like He is, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH100B “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”