Proverbs 28:5 kjv

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Proverbs 28:5 nkjv

Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all.

Proverbs 28:5 niv

Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

Proverbs 28:5 esv

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

Proverbs 28:5 nlt

Evil people don't understand justice,
but those who follow the LORD understand completely.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 5 Meaning

Evil and unrighteous individuals inherently lack the capacity to genuinely comprehend true justice because their hearts are darkened by sin and their motives are corrupted. In stark contrast, those who sincerely pursue a relationship with the LORD gain profound spiritual discernment, enabling them to grasp not only the full scope of God's perfect justice but also its practical application in all areas of life.

Proverbs 28 5 Context

Proverbs 28 falls within the Solomonic collections of proverbs, a segment of the Bible's wisdom literature primarily focusing on practical ethics and morality. This chapter frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, outlining their behaviors, character traits, and ultimate outcomes. Verses like 28:5 serve as an axiom within this larger discourse, explaining why there's such a stark difference between these two groups – their fundamental orientation towards God. It suggests that a person's moral standing dictates their cognitive and spiritual discernment, especially concerning profound concepts like justice. This verse underlines that true wisdom, including understanding justice, isn't merely intellectual but fundamentally spiritual, stemming from one's relationship with the divine.

Proverbs 28 5 Word analysis

• Evil men (רָעִים - ra'im): Plural form of "evil" or "wicked." Refers to those characterized by moral depravity, hostility towards God, and unjust behavior. This is not just about isolated bad actions but a wicked nature. They are spiritually blind due to their sinful choices and alienation from God.
• do not understand (לֹא־יָבִינוּ - lo'-yavinu): "Yavinu" (from root בִּין - bin) means "to discern," "perceive," "understand," "have insight." The negation "lo'" signifies an absolute inability or refusal. Their lack of understanding isn't a mere intellectual deficit but a moral and spiritual one; their moral corruption fundamentally obstructs their perception of truth and justice.
• justice (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat): This rich Hebrew term encompasses "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," "right," "equity," "legal proceeding." It refers to God's standard of right and wrong, His divine decrees, and the practical implementation of righteousness in human affairs. For the wicked, this includes failing to grasp not only what justice is but also its moral imperative and the divine consequences for violating it.
• but (וְ-): A strong adversative conjunction, highlighting the sharp contrast between the two groups.
• those who seek (דֹּרְשֵׁי - dorshei): From the root דָּרַשׁ (darash), meaning "to seek," "inquire," "diligently search," "require." It implies an active, intentional, and persistent pursuit. This is not casual curiosity but a earnest desire for connection, knowledge, and adherence to the LORD.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal, covenantal name of God. This indicates that the understanding is not merely intellectual but relational; it flows from a right relationship with the sovereign God.
• understand it fully (יָבִינוּ כֹל - yavinu kol): "Yavinu" again signifies profound understanding. "Kol" (כֹל) means "all," "every," "entirely," "fully." It suggests comprehensive understanding of justice, not just theoretically but in its deepest implications and practical applications in all circumstances. Their understanding extends to "everything" God reveals concerning justice.

Words-group analysis:

• Evil men do not understand justice: This phrase establishes a fundamental spiritual and moral inability. The wicked's perception of justice is flawed because their standard is self-serving or earthly, rather than divine. Their choices and lifestyle distort their ethical compass, leading them to misinterpret, disregard, or pervert true justice, often viewing it as inconvenient or as something to manipulate.
• those who seek the LORD understand it fully: This part presents the divine solution and contrast. Understanding justice is contingent upon seeking the LORD. This seeking implies a commitment to His truth, His ways, and His character. Such devotion grants a holistic, clear, and comprehensive understanding of God's perfect justice, encompassing its divine origin, its moral demands, and its redemptive purposes. This understanding empowers them to act justly and discern right from wrong accurately.

Proverbs 28 5 Bonus section

The concept of "understanding" in this verse (יָבִינוּ - yavinu) is frequently linked in Proverbs to wisdom (חָכְמָה - chochmah) and knowledge (דַּעַת - da'ath), but specifically denotes discernment—the ability to differentiate, separate, and grasp underlying meanings. It's not just intellectual capacity but a spiritual insight. This verse is also implicitly a polemic against ancient cultures that might have practiced arbitrary justice, favored the powerful, or had pagan deities associated with capricious acts. The God of Israel provides clear, unchanging justice, accessible to those aligned with Him. It emphasizes that ethical understanding is inherently tied to theology, with one's worldview profoundly shaping their moral perceptions.

Proverbs 28 5 Commentary

Proverbs 28:5 succinctly articulates a profound spiritual truth: true understanding of justice is not accessible through mere human intellect or secular reasoning alone. The verse creates a stark antithetical parallelism between the "evil men" and "those who seek the LORD." "Evil men" are fundamentally hindered in their comprehension of "mishpat," which encompasses God's entire framework of righteousness and judgment. Their depraved nature, self-centered desires, and rebellion against divine authority blind them. They either cannot perceive justice for what it is or refuse to acknowledge its true standard, often twisting it to suit their own agenda.

In sharp contrast, those who actively and earnestly "seek the LORD" gain a comprehensive, "full" understanding of justice. This "seeking" is more than a passive intellectual exercise; it signifies a passionate pursuit of a relationship with God, characterized by humility, obedience, and dependence on His revelation. It's through this intimate relationship and walking in His ways that God grants spiritual insight. This divine understanding allows them to grasp the complexities of God's moral law, discerning right from wrong not by human consensus or expediency, but by the infallible standard of His character and will. Therefore, this verse underscores that moral and spiritual purity, evidenced by devotion to God, is a prerequisite for genuine ethical and spiritual discernment, ensuring their decisions align with God's perfect justice.

Examples:

• A corrupt politician cannot fathom true justice, only political gain. A leader seeking God will prioritize fairness and truth, even at personal cost.
• Someone steeped in materialism will struggle to see justice in prioritizing the needy over wealth accumulation. A believer seeking God will advocate for the marginalized.
• A person unconcerned with spiritual truth might justify actions that are expedient but unethical. A follower of Christ will seek to align their actions with biblical justice.