Proverbs 28:1 kjv

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 nkjv

The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 niv

The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 esv

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 nlt

The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
but the godly are as bold as lions.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 1 Meaning

Proverbs 28:1 declares a stark contrast between the inner states and external behaviors of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked are characterized by an inexplicable dread that causes them to flee even when there is no apparent threat or pursuer. Their conscience, or their actions, make them perpetually insecure. In contrast, the righteous possess an unshakeable confidence, likened to the boldness and fearlessness of a lion. Their trust in God and their upright living provide them with an inner peace that makes them secure in any situation, facing life's challenges with courage rather than panic.

Proverbs 28 1 Context

Proverbs 28 is part of the "proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied" (Prov 25:1), a section primarily concerned with practical wisdom for rulers and common people alike. The chapter contrasts the upright and the corrupt, particularly concerning leadership, justice, and wealth. Verse 1 serves as a foundational statement, setting the moral and psychological contrast that permeates the rest of the chapter. It highlights the internal consequences of one's moral state: guilt breeds fear and instability, while righteousness fosters security and courage. Historically, Israelite society placed high value on personal character as a reflection of one's relationship with God, and this verse aligns with the broader Deuteronomic theology of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, often including psychological impacts.

Proverbs 28 1 Word analysis

• The wicked: רָשָׁע (rāšāʿ). This term refers to someone who is ethically or morally wrong, guilty, and who disregards God's law or rightful standards. It denotes a person whose actions or inner character is out of alignment with divine principles. Their actions are often unjust, oppressive, or deceptive.
• Flee: יָנוּס (yānûs), from the root נוּס (nûs). It means to flee, escape, or take flight. It conveys an image of panicked, hasty movement, often to avoid danger. In this context, the emphasis is on an unjustified flight, indicative of an internal terror or guilt.
• When no one pursues: This phrase highlights the irrationality of the wicked person's fear. The absence of an external threat means their fear is self-generated, stemming from an uneasy conscience, unconfessed sin, or inherent moral instability. It signifies psychological distress that is disproportionate to reality.
• But: This strong conjunction (וְכֵן) introduces a direct contrast, setting up the opposing reality of the righteous.
• The righteous: צַדִּיק (ṣaddîq). This term describes someone who is just, innocent, vindicated, or righteous in conduct and character. It signifies adherence to God's standards and ethical uprightness. Their actions are consistent with divine law and justice.
• Are bold: בֶּטַח (beṭaḥ). Often translated as "confidence," "security," or "safety." Here, it's used adverbially, meaning "confidently" or "securely." It denotes a state of inner assurance, grounded trust, and absence of fear, contrasting sharply with the wicked's fleeing.
• As a lion: כַּכְּפִיר (kakkepîr), specifically referring to a young lion, renowned for its strength, courage, and fearlessness. This simile is potent. The lion symbolizes an ultimate, unchallenged confidence and majestic power. Unlike the wicked who flee at imaginary threats, the righteous stand firm and face reality with immense courage.

Words-group analysis

• "The wicked flee when no one pursues": This phrase captures the internal, self-inflicted torment of the ungodly. Their flight is not from an external pursuer, but from the shadow of their own misdeeds, a guilty conscience, or a lack of spiritual grounding. It suggests a life marked by anxiety, suspicion, and instability, perpetually on edge.
• "But the righteous are bold as a lion": This is a powerful, affirmative statement about the security and inner strength derived from living righteously and trusting in God. The "lion" metaphor underscores not aggression, but unyielding courage, calm self-possession, and an inherent confidence that allows them to face any challenge without flinching. It represents stability and a deep sense of peace that banishes fear.

Proverbs 28 1 Bonus section

The fear experienced by the wicked is often seen as a premonition of divine judgment, an innate understanding that their actions are out of alignment with the cosmic order, producing a constant state of apprehension. This contrasts sharply with the righteousness of believers, which is not based on their own perfect deeds but on the imputed righteousness of Christ, providing an even deeper and more profound source of confidence (Phil 3:9). The lion imagery also alludes to Jesus as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev 5:5), suggesting that those who are righteous in Him partake in His divine boldness and victory. This proverb reveals that true peace and security are spiritual endowments, consequences of walking with God, and are completely inaccessible to those who live in opposition to His ways.

Proverbs 28 1 Commentary

Proverbs 28:1 encapsulates a profound spiritual and psychological truth about the human condition: the direct link between one's moral standing and inner tranquility. The wicked, burdened by guilt, unconfessed sin, or rebellion against God, experience constant inner unrest. This internal disquiet manifests as irrational fear, causing them to behave erratically and avoid confrontation even when no external threat exists. Their lack of peace makes them inherently insecure and prone to flight, not because of a physical pursuit, but from the psychological weight of their own conscience or the unseen hand of divine disapproval.

Conversely, the righteous, whose lives are marked by integrity, trust in God, and obedience to His commands, possess an unshakeable inner peace. Their clear conscience and reliance on divine strength translate into courageous stability, symbolized by the bold and fearless lion. This boldness is not aggression, but a deep-seated confidence that enables them to stand firm amidst adversity, make sound judgments, and live with conviction. They are secure in their walk with God, knowing that He is their refuge and strength, removing the grounds for baseless fear. This verse powerfully illustrates that true security comes not from external circumstances, but from an internal state rooted in righteousness and a relationship with the Most High.