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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 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/28-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_28_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 28:4 - The Boldness of the Righteous" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them." /><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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to obey the law is to fight them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who abandon the Law praise the wicked, But those who keep the Law strive against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law pit themselves against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law battle against them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Lawbreakers praise criminals, but law-abiding citizens always oppose them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Those who abandon [God's] teachings praise wicked people, but those who follow [God's] teachings oppose wicked people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked, but whoever keeps it fights them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law contend with them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked; but those who keep the Law contend with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Those forsaking the Law praise the wicked, "" Those keeping the Law plead against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Those forsaking the law praise the wicked, Those keeping the law plead against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They forsaking the law will praise the unjust: and they watching the law, shall contend with them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They that forsake the law, praise the wicked man: they that keep it, are incensed against him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who abandon instruction praise the wicked, but those who keep instruction oppose them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law struggle against them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Those who forsake the law glory in wickedness; but those who keep the law receive strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Those that forsake the Law praise evil and those that keep the Law strengthen their souls.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/28-4.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=5712" 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">3</span>A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ‘ō·zə·ḇê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">Those who forsake</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: ṯō·w·rāh (N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">the law</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: yə·hal·lū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To shine.">praise</a> <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/8104.htm" title="8104: wə·šō·mə·rê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">but those who keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: ṯō·w·rāh (N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">the law</a> <a href="/hebrew/1624.htm" title="1624: yiṯ·gā·rū (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3mp) -- To stir up (strife), engage in strife. A primitive root; properly, to grate, i.e. to anger.">resist</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇām (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.…<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/119-53.htm">Psalm 119:53</a></span><br />Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20</a></span><br />Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a></span><br />Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18</a></span><br />The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1-5</a></span><br />But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:10-12</a></span><br />and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-4.htm">1 John 3:4</a></span><br />Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Matthew 5:19</a></span><br />So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a></span><br />You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3-4</a></span><br />For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. / Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a></span><br />And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</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. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.</p><p class="hdg">that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19-21</a></b></br> Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which <i>is</i> on the south of Jeshimon? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Psalm 10:3</a></b></br> For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, <i>whom</i> the LORD abhorreth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18</a></b></br> Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and <i>men</i> will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-14.htm">1 Samuel 15:14-24</a></b></br> And Samuel said, What <i>meaneth</i> then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14,15</a></b></br> Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who <i>is so</i> faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">1 Kings 18:18,21</a></b></br> And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/3-30.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-24.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-10.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Law</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-21.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-8.htm">Resist</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-28.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Law</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-28.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Resist</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.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>Those who forsake the law praise the wicked</b><br>This phrase highlights the moral decline that occurs when individuals abandon God's commandments. In the biblical context, "the law" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which contain God's instructions for righteous living. Forsaking the law implies a rejection of divine authority and a preference for human wisdom, which often leads to moral relativism. Historically, Israel faced numerous periods of apostasy, where neglecting the law resulted in societal chaos and idolatry, as seen in the time of the Judges (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). Praising the wicked suggests an endorsement or admiration of those who live contrary to God's standards, reflecting a heart that is aligned with sin rather than righteousness. This aligns with <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a>, where Paul describes those who not only practice unrighteousness but also approve of others who do the same.<p><b>but those who keep the law resist them</b><br>In contrast, this phrase emphasizes the role of the faithful in upholding God's standards. Keeping the law involves not only adherence to the commandments but also a commitment to living a life that reflects God's holiness. This resistance is not merely passive but involves actively standing against the influence of wickedness. The historical context of Israel shows that leaders like Josiah (2 Kings 22-23) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8) led reforms to return the people to the law, resisting the prevailing culture of disobedience. This resistance is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be "salt and light" (<a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13-16</a>), preserving righteousness and illuminating truth in a corrupt world. The ultimate fulfillment of the law is found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly kept the law and empowers believers to live righteously through the Holy Spirit (<a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3-4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>Refers to the divine instructions given by God, primarily through the Mosaic Law, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil guidelines for living a life pleasing to God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments, often characterized by immoral and unjust behavior.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/those_who_forsake_the_law.htm">Those Who Forsake the Law</a></b><br>People who abandon or neglect God's commandments, leading to a lifestyle that aligns with wickedness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/those_who_keep_the_law.htm">Those Who Keep the Law</a></b><br>Individuals who adhere to God's commandments, striving to live righteously and resist evil influences.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/resistance.htm">Resistance</a></b><br>The act of opposing or standing against the influence and actions of the wicked, as a result of adhering to God's law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_god's_law.htm">The Importance of God's Law</a></b><br>God's law serves as a moral compass, guiding believers in righteous living and helping them discern right from wrong.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_forsaking_the_law.htm">Consequences of Forsaking the Law</a></b><br>Abandoning God's commandments leads to moral decay and alignment with wickedness, resulting in spiritual and societal harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_righteous.htm">The Role of the Righteous</a></b><br>Those who keep the law are called to actively resist evil, standing firm in their faith and influencing others towards righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/praise_and_resistance.htm">Praise and Resistance</a></b><br>Our actions and attitudes reflect our allegiance; praising the wicked indicates a departure from God's law, while resisting them shows commitment to His commandments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to surround themselves with a community that upholds God's law, providing support and accountability in resisting wickedness.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_narcissism.htm">What does the Bible say about narcissism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_prayers_answered_for_lawbreakers.htm">If ignoring the law makes one's prayers detestable (Proverbs 28:9), how do we account for apparent answered prayers among those who openly violate biblical commands?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_science_demystify_proverbs_30_18-19.htm">Proverbs 30:18-19 highlights four 'mysterious' ways; does understanding them through science undermine their portrayal as unfathomable?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_unite_without_divisions.htm">What does the Bible say about sowing discord?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">They that forsake the law praise the wicked.</span>--The mark of extreme wickedness. (Comp. <a href="/romans/1-32.htm" title="Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.">Romans 1:32</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">But such as keep the law contend with them.</span>--Just as the sight of ill-doing was the one thing which roused our Lord to wrath, while insults and wrongs offered to Himself were passed by unnoticed.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They that forsake the Law praise the wicked.</span> This they do because they love iniquity, and like to see it extend its influence, and arm itself against the good, who are a standing reproach to them. St. Paul notes it as a mark of extreme wickedness that gross sinners "not only do the same iniquities, but have pleasure in them that do them" (<a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Such as keep the Law contend with them</span>; are angry with them. They are filled with righteous indignation; they cannot hold their peace when they see God's Law outraged, and must have the offenders punished (comp. <a href="/1_kings/19-14.htm">1 Kings 19:14</a>; <a href="/psalms/74-11.htm">Psalm 74:11</a>. etc.; Psalms 119:136, 139; 139:21). The LXX. connects this verse with the latter part of the preceding, thus: "As an impetuous and profitless rain, thus those who forsake the Law praise ungodliness; but they who love the Law raise a wall around themselves." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/28-4.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">Those who forsake</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹזְבֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·zə·ḇê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the law</span><br /><span class="heb">ת֭וֹרָה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">praise</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהַֽלְל֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hal·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><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">but those who keep</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשֹׁמְרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šō·mə·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the law</span><br /><span class="heb">ת֝וֹרָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">resist</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְגָּ֥רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·gā·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1624.htm">Strong's 1624: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stir up (strife), engage in strife</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them.</span><br /><span class="heb">פ</span> <span class="translit">(p̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Punctuation<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/28-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise (Prov. 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