Proverbs 28:1-14
V. 1 reminds us of the frightening things prophesied as punishment upon guilty Israel (Leviticus 26:36-38). Generally speaking, the behaviour of a man depends on the state of his conscience (v. 1). If it is bad, he will always be ill at ease and will see dangers everywhere. On the other hand, if it is good, he will have confidence before God and men (1 John 3:21; Genesis 3:8). V. 13 is of fundamental importance. It sets out the way of repentance and forgiveness for the sinner. It also explains why certain Christians do not make any progress. To rediscover the path of communion with God it is essential to confess our faults. But then even more, it is necessary with the Lord’s help to give them up. If not, confession is not truly made; it is in reality mocking God. In fact, many more things than we realise stem from our moral state. True understanding, for example, is the part of those who seek the LORD. They understand all things (v. 5). But there are people who ask the same questions over and over again, basically because the person of Christ is of little value to them. V. 9 shows us that obedience to God and answered prayer are inseparably bound together (cf. John 15:7).