Proverbs 28 · a question people ask
The chapter says "the righteous are as bold as a lion" (28:1), and also "Blessed is the man who always fears" (28:14). Which is it?
The two sayings use different words, and set their man against different people. Bold in 28:1 is batach, the verb of trusts in 28:25 and 28:26 (tap trusts), and the one set against the bold righteous is the wicked who flee "when no one pursues" (28:1). Fears in 28:14 is pachad, which Brown-Driver-Briggs gives as "dread, be in dread, in awe", and for the form used here "be in great dread". The saying doesn't say what the blessed man fears. It sets him against another man: "but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble" (28:14). So the one set against the man who fears is the man who hardens his heart, not the bold man of 28:1. Proverbs has the verb once more, in words to "My son" about keeping "sound wisdom and discretion" (Proverbs 3:21): "When you lie down, you will not be afraid" (Proverbs 3:24), where be afraid is the same verb, in another form. The book holds these sayings together, and these notes don't say more than the verses do.
The verses
“The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
“Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.”
“One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper. One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.”
“My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck. Then you shall walk in your way securely. Your foot won’t stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.”