Proverbs 28 15

Proverbs 28:15 kjv

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

Proverbs 28:15 nkjv

Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.

Proverbs 28:15 niv

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

Proverbs 28:15 esv

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

Proverbs 28:15 nlt

A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 15 Meaning

Proverbs 28:15 conveys that a wicked ruler oppressing a vulnerable populace is as terrifying, destructive, and uncontrollable as a ferocious lion roaring or a rampaging bear. This imagery vividly depicts the terror, devastation, and arbitrary violence inflicted upon the defenseless, highlighting the grave danger posed by unrighteous authority to those beneath them.

Proverbs 28 15 Context

Proverbs 28 is part of the "proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied" (Prov 25:1). This chapter contrasts the righteous and the wicked, exploring their actions and their consequences. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, justice, and the fear of the Lord, while exposing the folly and danger of wickedness, particularly in positions of authority. Historically, kingship in Israel, from its inception, was fraught with the tension between divinely appointed leadership intended for justice and peace, and the reality of human fallibility, corruption, and oppression. This verse serves as a sober warning within that socio-political landscape, condemning leaders who, instead of acting as shepherds, become predators to their own flock.

Proverbs 28 15 Word analysis

• Like a roaring lion: This powerful simile immediately evokes terror and a sense of impending doom.

  • roaring (נֹהֵם, nohem): From the root meaning "to groan, growl, roar." It emphasizes the intimidating sound and predatory intent. The roar is a declaration of presence and impending violence, scattering victims. It signifies absolute power and the threat of destruction.
  • lion (אֲרִי, 'ari): A potent biblical symbol of strength, ferocity, and kingship. While the "Lion of Judah" (Rev 5:5) symbolizes majestic, protective power, here it is distorted into a destructive, uncontrolled force, embodying terror. In ancient Near Eastern art, kings often depicted themselves as lions, signifying their power, but the proverb critiques this, showing that such power, in the hands of the wicked, is terrifying.

• or a charging bear: Adds another layer of animalistic threat, emphasizing brutal, indiscriminate force.

  • charging (מִתְרוֹצֵץ, mitrotzeitz): From a root meaning "to crush, break, range, oppress." The Hithpael form denotes a reflexive or intense, continuous action – a bear "rushing about," "ranging wildly," "mauling." This suggests erratic, unpredictable, and overwhelmingly violent movement. Bears were known for their brute strength, tearing, and mauling, often more indiscriminately destructive than a lion's direct predation.
  • bear (וְדֹב, v'dov): In biblical contexts, bears (Lam 3:10, Hos 13:8, 2 Ki 2:24) are consistently portrayed as exceptionally fierce and dangerous, especially when provoked or protecting cubs. They represent an uncontrolled, destructive force, tearing and destroying without restraint.

• is a wicked ruler: This clause reveals the specific subject of the analogy.

  • ruler (מֹשֵׁל, moshel): From the verb "to rule, govern, have dominion." This signifies one in a position of authority, charged with leading and administering justice. This position, by divine design (Rom 13:1), is meant for good, but when corrupt, it becomes a grave evil.
  • wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha): Denotes moral corruption, guilt, unrighteousness. This is the critical qualifier. It's not just incompetence, but an inherent perversion of justice and morality that drives the ruler's destructive actions. Their rule is contrary to God's will and law.

• over a poor people: This identifies the helpless victims of such a ruler.

  • poor (דָּל, dal): Refers to those who are weak, powerless, humble, lowly, or materially impoverished. This highlights their vulnerability and inability to defend themselves or escape the ruler's predation. They are the precise opposite of those who hold power.
  • people (עַם, 'am): The general populace, emphasizing their collective vulnerability.

• Word-Group Analysis:

  • "roaring lion... charging bear": These two animals serve as archetypes of unchecked, predatory violence and terror. They represent distinct but equally fearsome modes of attack: the lion’s terrifying roar and calculated pursuit versus the bear’s brutal, tearing rampage. The simile effectively communicates the deep dread and overwhelming destruction experienced by those under such a ruler.
  • "wicked ruler over a poor people": This pairing is central to the proverb's message. It starkly contrasts power misused (the wicked ruler) with utter vulnerability (the poor people). It highlights the fundamental injustice and cruelty of someone entrusted with welfare becoming an agent of destruction to those they are meant to protect.

Proverbs 28 15 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "bear," dov, can also be linked to the concept of clumsiness in movement when contrasting with lion's elegance. However, in this context, the focus on "mitrotzeitz" (charging/rushing violently) emphasizes its devastating impact rather than awkwardness, portraying its destructive power. This proverb subtly underscores the fundamental distinction between divinely ordained authority meant for good and humanly corrupted power. A true leader, according to biblical wisdom, is a shepherd who protects, not a predator who devours. This deep theological understanding forms the basis of many Old Testament prophecies condemning wicked kings and longing for a righteous king, fulfilled in Christ.

Proverbs 28 15 Commentary

Proverbs 28:15 paints a terrifying picture of tyrannical governance. A wicked ruler is compared to the most formidable and destructive wild animals, underscoring the absolute terror and devastation they unleash upon a helpless populace. The imagery of the "roaring lion" evokes a predator whose very presence inspires paralyzing fear, an intimidation tactic that ensures compliance through dread. The "charging bear," by contrast, suggests brute, indiscriminate violence – tearing, crushing, and destroying without reason or restraint. Together, they form a composite image of merciless oppression that consumes the weak and defenseless.

This proverb teaches a critical truth about power: when divorced from righteousness and justice, authority becomes a weapon of destruction. The phrase "wicked ruler" (Hebrew: moshel rasha) pinpoints the moral corruption as the source of this danger. Unlike a righteous ruler, who provides protection and upholds the law for the good of the people, the wicked ruler exploits, devours, and dismantles the very fabric of society, preying specifically on the "poor people" (am dal) who lack the means to defend themselves. This echoes a recurring biblical theme that God has a special concern for the poor, the needy, and the oppressed, and He condemns those who exploit them (e.g., Amos 2:6-7, Psa 72:4).

The verse serves as a stark warning, particularly in cultures with powerful rulers, that authority wielded unjustly turns governance into gang warfare and community into hunting grounds. It reminds us of the profound moral responsibility that accompanies power and foreshadows divine judgment upon those who abuse it for selfish gain or cruel purposes, leaving a trail of suffering in their wake. It implies a moral cry for justice and a longing for righteous leadership.

• Example for practical usage: Imagine a village ruled by a merciless landlord who uses intimidation and brute force (like a "roaring lion") to extract exorbitant rents, then unpredictably seizes property and demolishes homes ("charging bear") from families unable to pay, leaving them destitute. This landlord perfectly embodies the "wicked ruler over a poor people."