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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 28:15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/28-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/20_Pro_28_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 28:15 - The Boldness of the Righteous" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<i>so is</i> a wicked ruler over the poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Like</i> a roaring lion and a charging bear <i>Is</i> a wicked ruler over poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>Like</i> a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A ruler who mistreats the poor is like a roaring lion or a bear hunting for food. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[Like] a roaring lion and a charging bear, [so] a wicked ruler is a threat to poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A roaring lion and a charging bear— that's what a wicked tyrant is over poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like a roaring lion or a roving bear, so is a wicked ruler over a poor people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A growling lion, and a ranging bear, "" [Is] the wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A growling lion, and a ranging bear, Is the wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A roaring lion and a greedy bear the unjust one ruling over a poor people.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As a roaring lion, and a hungry bear, so is a wicked prince over the poor people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A roaring lion or a ravenous bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As a roaring lion and a raging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The lion roars and the bear has given a sound because an evil one rules over poor people.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As a roaring lion, and a ravenous bear; So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf <i>is he</i>, who, being poor, rules over a poor nation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/28-15.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=5803" 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">14</span>Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5098.htm" title="5098: nō·hêm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To growl, groan. A primitive root; to growl.">Like a roaring</a> <a href="/hebrew/738.htm" title="738: ’ă·rî- (N-ms) -- A lion. Or earyeh; from 'arah; a lion.">lion</a> <a href="/hebrew/8264.htm" title="8264: šō·w·qêq (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To run, run about, rush. A primitive root; to course; by implication, to seek greedily.">or a charging</a> <a href="/hebrew/1677.htm" title="1677: wə·ḏōḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A bear. Or dowb; from dabab; the bear.">bear</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">is a wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: mō·šêl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">ruler</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/1800.htm" title="1800: dāl (Adj-msc) -- Dangling, weak, thin. From dalal; properly, dangling, i.e. weak or thin.">a helpless</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am- (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.…<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="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Ezekiel 22:27</a></span><br />Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm">Zephaniah 3:3</a></span><br />Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-11.htm">Isaiah 56:11</a></span><br />Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a></span><br />Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3</a></span><br />You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-7.htm">Daniel 7:7</a></span><br />After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-13.htm">Isaiah 10:13-14</a></span><br />For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. / My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-2</a></span><br />“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12</a></span><br />The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29</a></span><br />I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-2.htm">Revelation 13:2</a></span><br />The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/17-12.htm">Revelation 17:12-13</a></span><br />The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings along with the beast. / These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a></span><br />Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.</p><p class="hdg">a roaring</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2</a></b></br> The fear of a king <i>is</i> as the roaring of a lion: <i>whoso</i> provoketh him to anger sinneth <i>against</i> his own soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/5-11.htm">Hosea 5:11</a></b></br> Ephraim <i>is</i> oppressed <i>and</i> broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></b></br> Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:</p><p class="hdg">a ranging</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12</a></b></br> Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">2 Kings 2:24</a></b></br> And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Hosea 13:8</a></b></br> I will meet them as a bear <i>that is</i> bereaved <i>of her whelps</i>, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.</p><p class="hdg">so</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/1-14.htm">Exodus 1:14-16,22</a></b></br> And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, <i>was</i> with rigour… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17-19</a></b></br> And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also <i>is</i> with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/15-16.htm">2 Kings 15:16</a></b></br> Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that <i>were</i> therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not <i>to him</i>, therefore he smote <i>it; and</i> all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/job/15-26.htm">Charging</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Growling</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Helpless</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Ravenous</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Roaring</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-27.htm">Rushing</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/30-21.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-6.htm">Charging</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Growling</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-30.htm">Helpless</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-30.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-6.htm">Ravenous</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Roaring</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-28.htm">Rushing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Wicked</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>Like a roaring lion</b><br>The imagery of a roaring lion is often used in Scripture to depict power, ferocity, and danger. In biblical times, lions were known to inhabit the regions of the Near East, and their roar was a symbol of impending threat. This metaphor is used to describe the nature of a wicked ruler, suggesting that such a leader instills fear and terror among the people. The lion's roar can also be seen as a symbol of Satan's tactics, as described in <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, where the devil is likened to a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.<p><b>or a charging bear</b><br>Bears, like lions, were part of the wildlife in ancient Israel and were known for their strength and aggression, especially when provoked or protecting their young. The comparison to a charging bear emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming force that a wicked ruler can exert. This imagery is used to convey the idea of a ruler who is unpredictable and dangerous, capable of causing great harm without warning. The bear's charge can be likened to the suddenness of judgment or calamity, as seen in other biblical passages such as <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Hosea 13:8</a>.<p><b>is a wicked ruler</b><br>The term "wicked ruler" refers to a leader who acts unjustly, oppresses the people, and governs with selfish motives. In the biblical context, rulers were expected to uphold justice and righteousness, as seen in the examples of King David and King Solomon. However, wicked rulers, like those described in the books of Kings and Chronicles, often led the nation into idolatry and moral decay. The Bible frequently warns against such leaders, highlighting the importance of godly leadership that aligns with divine principles.<p><b>over a helpless people</b><br>The phrase "helpless people" indicates a populace that is vulnerable and unable to defend itself against the tyranny of a wicked ruler. In ancient times, the common people often had little power or recourse against oppressive governance. This vulnerability is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God is portrayed as the defender of the weak and the oppressed, as seen in Psalms 82:3-4. The helplessness of the people underscores the need for righteous leadership and divine intervention to bring justice and deliverance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/roaring_lion.htm">Roaring Lion</a></b><br>In biblical literature, lions often symbolize power, ferocity, and danger. A roaring lion represents a threat that is both imminent and terrifying.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/charging_bear.htm">Charging Bear</a></b><br>Bears are known for their strength and unpredictability. A charging bear signifies sudden and overwhelming danger.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wicked_ruler.htm">Wicked Ruler</a></b><br>This refers to a leader who is morally corrupt and unjust, using their power to oppress rather than to serve.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/helpless_people.htm">Helpless People</a></b><br>These are individuals or communities who lack the means to defend themselves against oppression, often suffering under unjust leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_wicked_leadership.htm">The Nature of Wicked Leadership</a></b><br>Wicked rulers are compared to dangerous animals, emphasizing the threat they pose to society. This highlights the importance of righteous leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_vulnerability_of_the_helpless.htm">The Vulnerability of the Helpless</a></b><br>The verse underscores the plight of those who are defenseless, reminding believers of their duty to protect and advocate for the vulnerable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_for_righteous_governance.htm">The Call for Righteous Governance</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to pray for and support leaders who govern justly and to hold accountable those who do not.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Just as one would be cautious of a lion or bear, Christians are called to be spiritually vigilant against the influences of wickedness in leadership.<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/biblical_view_on_attending_prom.htm">What is the significance of lions in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_proverbs_say_on_laziness.htm">What does Proverbs say about lazy people?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_people_resist_wicked_rulers.htm">Why does 'when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding' (Proverbs 28:12) conflict with historical examples where oppressed individuals publicly resist unjust rulers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_direct_cruel_rulers'_hearts.htm">Proverbs 21:1: How can a king's heart be completely directed by God if history is full of cruel rulers who appear to have acted against any divine morality?</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>(15) <span class= "bld">A ranging bear</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>wandering hungrily in great want of food.<p><span class= "bld">Over the poor people</span>--i.e., a people too weak to resist him, over whom he can tyrannise without fear.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A wicked ruler over the poor people;</span> a people weak and resourceless. To such a powerful tyrant is as fatal as a roaring lion or a hungry bear prowling in quest of food. The prophets compare evil rulers to ravenous lions (see <a href="/jeremiah/4-7.htm">Jeremiah 4:7</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/19-6.htm">Ezekiel 19:6</a>). They are like lions in strength and cruelty, like bears in craft and ferocity. Septuagint, "A hungry lion and a thirsty wolf is he, who, being poor, rules over an indigent nation." The poverty of the subjects embitters the conduct of the ruler. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/28-15.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">Like a roaring</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹ֭הֵם</span> <span class="translit">(nō·hêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5098.htm">Strong's 5098: </a> </span><span class="str2">To growl, groan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lion</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲרִי־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·rî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_738.htm">Strong's 738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or a charging</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁוֹקֵ֑ק</span> <span class="translit">(šō·w·qêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8264.htm">Strong's 8264: </a> </span><span class="str2">To course, to seek greedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bear</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדֹ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1677.htm">Strong's 1677: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֝שָׁ֗ע</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">ruler</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֵׁ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a helpless</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(dāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1800.htm">Strong's 1800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dangling, weak, thin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">people.</span><br /><span class="heb">עַם־</span> <span class="translit">(‘am-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion or a charging (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 28:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 28:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:16" /></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>