When Men Hide

I. THE STRUGGLES OF LIFE (Proverbs 28:1-28)

A. Between Wealth and Poverty

1. The poor even oppress the poor (Proverbs 28:3).
2. Poverty with uprightness is superior to riches with perverseness (Proverbs 28:6).
3. Poverty with understanding is superior to riches with supposed wisdom (Proverbs 28:11).
4. Wicked rulers despise the poor and are as roaring lions and ranging bears (Proverbs 28:15).
5. The hard worker shall have plenty, but the vain shall have poverty (Proverbs 28:19).
6. He that hasteth to be rich shall have poverty (Proverbs 28:22).
7. He that giveth to the poor shall not lack (Proverbs 28:27).

B. Between Government and Citizens

1. Transgressions cause multiple changes in authority, but understanding prolongs the state thereof (Proverbs 28:2).
2. The prince who lacks understanding is a great oppressor (Proverbs 28:16).

C. Between Parent and Child

1. The law-keeping son is wise, but the companion of riotous men shameth his father (Proverbs 28:7).
2. He that robbeth his parents is the companion of a destroyer (Proverbs 28:24).

D. Between Morality and Immorality

1. They that forsake the law praise the wicked, but law-keepers contend with them (Proverbs 28:4).
2. The evil men understand not judgment (Proverbs 28:5).
3. Men cause the righteous to go astray in an evil way (Proverbs 28:10).
4. Men cover their sins while others confess theirs and forsake them (Proverbs 28:13).
5. Men do violence to the blood of others (Proverbs 28:17).
6. Proud men stir up strife (Proverbs 28:25).
7. Men come to trust in their own heart (Proverbs 28:26).

II. THE THREAT TO MEN (Proverbs 28:12, 28)

A. The Rejoicing of Righteous Men (Proverbs 28:12a)

B. The Rise of the Wicked (Proverbs 28:12b; Proverbs 28:28a)

1. When the wicked rise, a man is hidden (Proverbs 28:12b).
2. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves (Proverbs 28:28a).

C. The Perishing of the Wicked (Proverbs 28:28b)

III. THE RESULTING PROBLEMS

A. Struggles Between Wealth and Poverty

1. A rise in chances for poverty
2. Those who obtain riches, do so immorally and cannot maintain wealth.

B. Struggles Between Government and Citizens

1. Foolish leaders cause decline.
2. Citizens lack the will to obey the laws of the land.

C. Struggles Between Parent and Child

1. Rebellion
2. Lack of respect

D. Struggles Between Morality and Immorality

1. The feminization of men and loosening of women
2. Evil is praised, while good is shamed
3. Violence is increased