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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The wicked flee when there is no one pursuing, But the righteous are secure as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Wicked people run away when no one chases them, but those who live right are as brave as lions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A wicked person flees when no one is chasing him, but righteous people are as bold as lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked flee, though no one pursues, but the righteous are bold like a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The wicked person flees when there is no one pursuing, but the righteous person is as confident as a lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer, "" And the righteous is confident as a young lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer. And the righteous as a young lion is confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The unjust fled and none pursuing, and the just shall be confident as the young lion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth: but the just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The wicked flee though none pursue; but the just, like a lion, are confident. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THE wicked flee when no man pursues them; but the righteous are confident as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The evil will flee when there is no one chasing them, and the righteous are as confident as a lion.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are secure as a young lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The ungodly <i>man</i> flees when no one pursues: but the righteous is confident as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/28-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5687" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">The Boldness of the Righteous</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">The wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: nā·sū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">flee</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">when no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: rō·ḏêp̄ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">pursues,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: wə·ṣad·dî·qîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">but the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/982.htm" title="982: yiḇ·ṭāḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To trust. A primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure.">are as bold</a> <a href="/hebrew/3715.htm" title="3715: kiḵ·p̄îr (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Young lion. From kaphar; a village; also a young lion.">as a lion.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a></span><br />Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a></span><br />For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-4.htm">Psalm 23:4</a></span><br />Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a></span><br />Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Hebrews 13:6</a></span><br />So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Philippians 1:28</a></span><br />without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-7.htm">Psalm 112:7-8</a></span><br />He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. / His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18</a></span><br />There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3-4</a></span><br />When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-14.htm">Isaiah 54:14</a></span><br />In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have no fear. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-29.htm">Acts 4:29-31</a></span><br />And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” / After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.</p><p class="hdg">the righteous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/11-8.htm">Exodus 11:8</a></b></br> And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1,2</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. The LORD <i>is</i> my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD <i>is</i> the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/46-2.htm">Psalm 46:2,3</a></b></br> Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Bold</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-16.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/143-9.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/job/27-22.htm">Flees</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/psalms/35-6.htm">Pursuer</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">Pursues</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-10.htm">Running</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-25.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/8-23.htm">Bold</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-3.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/songs/2-17.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-11.htm">Flees</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-6.htm">Pursuer</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-3.htm">Pursues</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-3.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Running</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-6.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-4.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-17.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">general observations of impiety and integrity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The wicked flee when no one pursues</b><br>This phrase highlights the internal turmoil and guilt that often accompany a life of wickedness. In biblical context, the wicked are those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. The fear and paranoia experienced by the wicked can be seen as a consequence of their actions, as they lack the peace that comes from a right relationship with God. This idea is echoed in <a href="/leviticus/26-17.htm">Leviticus 26:17</a>, where God warns Israel that disobedience will lead to fear and flight even when no one is chasing them. Historically, this reflects the instability and insecurity of those who live in sin, as they are often haunted by their own conscience and the potential consequences of their actions.<p><b>but the righteous are as bold as a lion</b><br>In contrast, the righteous, those who live in accordance with God's will, possess a boldness and confidence akin to that of a lion. This boldness is not rooted in their own strength but in their trust in God and His protection. The lion, often seen as a symbol of strength and courage in the Bible, represents the fearlessness that comes from a clear conscience and a life aligned with divine principles. This concept is supported by other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/27.htm">Psalm 27:1</a>, where David declares that the Lord is his light and salvation, and therefore he has no reason to fear. The righteous, like Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah in <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a>, exhibit a confidence that stems from their faith and the assurance of God's presence and support.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>This term refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. In the context of Proverbs, the wicked are often characterized by fear, deceit, and instability.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>These are individuals who live in accordance with God's will, displaying integrity, faithfulness, and moral courage. The righteous are contrasted with the wicked throughout the book of Proverbs.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lion.htm">The Lion</a></b><br>Known for its strength and courage, the lion is used metaphorically to describe the boldness and confidence of the righteous.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_fear_and_guilt.htm">The Nature of Fear and Guilt</a></b><br>The wicked flee because their conscience is troubled. Guilt and fear are natural consequences of living contrary to God's ways. This teaches us the importance of living a life of integrity to avoid unnecessary fear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_boldness.htm">The Source of Boldness</a></b><br>The righteous are bold because their confidence is rooted in their relationship with God. This boldness is not arrogance but a deep-seated assurance that comes from knowing and trusting in God's promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_integrity.htm">Living with Integrity</a></b><br>A life of righteousness leads to peace and confidence. When we align our actions with God's will, we can stand firm and unafraid, even when challenges arise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_clear_conscience.htm">The Power of a Clear Conscience</a></b><br>A clear conscience before God and man allows us to live boldly. Regular self-examination and repentance are crucial for maintaining this clarity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_witnessing.htm">Courage in Witnessing</a></b><br>The boldness of the righteous should inspire us to share our faith courageously. Just as a lion is unafraid, we too should be unashamed in proclaiming the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_powerful_wrongdoers_seem_unafraid.htm">How can “the wicked flee when no one pursues” (Proverbs 28:1) always hold true when many powerful wrongdoers seem unafraid? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_profanity_biblical.htm">What consequences do the wicked face according to scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_lions_symbolize_in_the_bible.htm">What is the significance of lions in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'living_dog_over_dead_lion'_mean.htm">What does "Living dog better than dead lion" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XXVIII</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">The wicked flee when no man pursueth.</span>--Comp. the curse pronounced upon Israel for disobedience (<a href="/leviticus/26-17.htm" title="And I will set my face against you, and you shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and you shall flee when none pursues you.">Leviticus 26:17</a>; <a href="/leviticus/26-36.htm" title="And on them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursues.">Leviticus 26:36</a>).<p><span class= "bld">The righteous are bold as a lion.--</span>Comp. <a href="/leviticus/26-8.htm" title="And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.">Leviticus 26:8</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm" title="And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.">1Samuel 17:32</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.</span>; <a href="/psalms/91-1.htm" title="He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.">Psalm 91:1</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The wicked flee when no man pursueth.</span> The unreasoning terror of the sinner arises partly from his uneasy conscience, which will not permit him to transgress without warning of consequences, and partly from the judgment of God, according to the threats denounced in <a href="/leviticus/26-36.htm">Leviticus 26:36, 37</a>. A terrible picture of this instinctive fear is drawn in <a href="/job/15-20.htm">Job 15:20</a>, etc., Cand Wisd. 17:9, etc. There are numerous proverbs about unreasonable timidity, such as being afraid of one's own shadow (see Erasmus, 'Adag.,' <span class="accented">s</span>.<span class="accented">v</span>. "Timiditas"). As the Eastern puts it, "The leaf cracked, and your servant fled;" and "Among ten men nine are women" (Lane). On the cowardice of sinners St. Chrysostom says well, "Such is the nature of sin, that it betrays while no one finds fault; it condemns whilst no one accuses; it makes the sinner a timid being, one that trembles at a sound; even as righteousness has the contrary effect How doth the wicked flee when no man pursueth? He hath that within which drives him on, an accuser in his own conscience, and this he carries about everywhere; and just as it would be impossible to flee from himself, so neither can he escape the persecutor within, but wherever he goeth he is scourged, and hath an incurable wound" ('Hom. in Stat.,' 8:3, Oxford transl.). <span class="cmt_word">But the righteous are hold as a lion.</span> They are undismayed in the presence of danger, because their conscience is at rest, they know that God is on their side, and, whatever happens, they are safe in the everlasting arms (see <a href="/psalms/91.htm">Psalm 91</a>.). Thus David the shepherd boy quailed not before the giant (<a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">1 Samuel 17:32</a>, etc.), remembering the promise in <a href="/leviticus/26-7.htm">Leviticus 26:7, 8</a>. The heathen poet Horace could say of the upright man ('Carm.,' 3:3, 7) - <p><span class="foreign">"Si fractus illabatur orbis,<br />Impavidum ferient ruinae."</span> Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his Hope (Ecclus. 31 (34):14, etc.). St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 31:55, "The lion is not afraid in the onset of beasts, because he knows well that he is stronger than them all. Whence the fearlessness of a righteous man is rightly compared to a lion, because, when he beholds any rising against him, he returns to the confidence of his mind, and knows that he overcomes all his adversaries because he loves him alone whom he cannot in any way lose against his will. For whoever seeks after outward things, which are taken from him even against his will, subjects himself of his own accord to outward fear. But unbroken virtue is the contempt of earthly desire, because the mind is both placed on high when it is raised above the meanest objects by the judgment of its hopes, and is the less affected by all adversities, the more safely it is fortified by being placed on things above" (Oxford transl.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/28-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רָשָׁ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flee</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֣סוּ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·sū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flit, vanish away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when no one</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵין־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ên-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pursues,</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹדֵ֣ף</span> <span class="translit">(rō·ḏêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝צַדִּיקִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣad·dî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are as bold</span><br /><span class="heb">יִבְטָֽח׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiḇ·ṭāḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_982.htm">Strong's 982: </a> </span><span class="str2">To trust, be confident, sure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as a lion.</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּכְפִ֥יר</span> <span class="translit">(kiḵ·p̄îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3715.htm">Strong's 3715: </a> </span><span class="str2">A village, a young lion</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 27:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 28:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>