The wicked flee when no one pursuesThis 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
Leviticus 26:17, 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.
but the righteous are as bold as a lion
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 asPsalm 27:1, 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 inRevelation 5:5, exhibit a confidence that stems from their faith and the assurance of God's presence and support.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The WickedThis 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.
2.
The RighteousThese 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.
3.
The LionKnown for its strength and courage, the lion is used metaphorically to describe the boldness and confidence of the righteous.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Fear and GuiltThe 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.
The Source of BoldnessThe 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.
Living with IntegrityA 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.
The Power of a Clear ConscienceA clear conscience before God and man allows us to live boldly. Regular self-examination and repentance are crucial for maintaining this clarity.
Courage in WitnessingThe 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.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:1?
2.How can we cultivate the "boldness" of the righteous in Proverbs 28:1?
3.What does Proverbs 28:1 teach about the consequences of living wickedly?
4.How does Proverbs 28:1 connect with Ephesians 6:10 on spiritual strength?
5.In what ways can we avoid the fear described in Proverbs 28:1?
6.How can Proverbs 28:1 guide our daily walk with God?
7.What does Proverbs 28:1 reveal about the nature of the wicked and the righteous?
8.How does Proverbs 28:1 challenge our understanding of courage and fear?
9.In what ways does Proverbs 28:1 reflect the broader themes of the Book of Proverbs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28?
11.How can “the wicked flee when no one pursues” (Proverbs 28:1) always hold true when many powerful wrongdoers seem unafraid?
12.What consequences do the wicked face according to scripture?
13.What is the significance of lions in the Bible?
14.What does "Living dog better than dead lion" mean?What Does Proverbs 28:1 Mean
The wicked flee when no one pursues“ ‘The wicked flee when no one pursues’ ” (Proverbs 28:1a).
• Sin breeds fear. Adam and Eve hid though no one chased them (Genesis 3:8–10).
• Guilt keeps the conscience on constant alert; even ordinary sounds feel like threats (Leviticus 26:36).
• Without God’s peace, enemies are imagined everywhere (Psalm 53:5).
• Flight exposes inner turmoil: people run because they know they stand condemned (John 3:19–20).
Takeaway: Unrepented sin steals peace; wickedness is self-sabotaging.
but the righteous are as bold as a lion“ ‘…but the righteous are as bold as a lion.’ ” (Proverbs 28:1b).
• Righteousness brings confidence because it rests on God’s approval, not human applause (Proverbs 14:26).
• Like David before Goliath, faith-filled courage flows from knowing the Lord fights for us (1 Samuel 17:45–47).
• God’s presence drives out fear: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
• Boldness is promised to those made righteous in Christ (Hebrews 4:16;Acts 4:13).
Takeaway: When standing clean before God, we stand fearless before men.
summaryProverbs 28:1 contrasts the inner lives of two camps. The unrepentant live haunted and anxious, fleeing shadows of their own making. The righteous, anchored in God’s forgiveness and favor, move through life with lion-hearted courage. Choosing righteousness is choosing freedom from fear.
XXVIII
(1)The wicked flee when no man pursueth.--Comp. the curse pronounced upon Israel for disobedience (Leviticus 26:17;Leviticus 26:36).
The righteous are bold as a lion.--Comp.Leviticus 26:8;1Samuel 17:32,sqq.;Psalm 91:1,sqq. . . .
Verse 1. -
The wicked flee when no man pursueth. 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
Leviticus 26:36, 37. A terrible picture of this instinctive fear is drawn in
Job 15:20, 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.,'
s.
v. "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.).
But the righteous are hold as a lion. 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
Psalm 91.). Thus David the shepherd boy quailed not before the giant (
1 Samuel 17:32, etc.), remembering the promise in
Leviticus 26:7, 8. The heathen poet Horace could say of the upright man ('Carm.,' 3:3, 7) -
"Si fractus illabatur orbis,
Impavidum ferient ruinae." 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.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The wickedרָשָׁ֑ע(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personfleeנָ֣סוּ(nā·sū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5127:To flit, vanish awaywhen no oneוְאֵין־(wə·’ên-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particlepursues,רֹדֵ֣ף(rō·ḏêp̄)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7291:To pursue, chase, persecutebut the righteousוְ֝צַדִּיקִ֗ים(wə·ṣad·dî·qîm)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662:Just, righteousare as boldיִבְטָֽח׃(yiḇ·ṭāḥ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 982:To trust, be confident, sureas a lion.כִּכְפִ֥יר(kiḵ·p̄îr)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3715:A village, a young lion
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues (Prov. Pro Pr) 
