Book of Proverbs - Chapter 28 - Verse 1

The verse "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion" speaks to the contrasting behavior of the wicked and the righteous. The first part of the verse describes how those who are guilty or deceitful are constantly on edge, always looking over their shoulder, and feeling paranoid even when there is no real threat present. This could be due to a guilty conscience or fear of consequences catching up to them. On the other hand, the righteous, who lead honest and virtuous lives, are described as bold as a lion. They do not have to live in fear or anxiety because they have nothing to hide. Their confidence and courage come from living a life in accordance with their values and beliefs. This verse serves as a reminder of the different paths individuals can choose to take, and the peace of mind that comes with integrity and righteousness.

One theological interpretation of the verse "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion," emphasizes the contrast between the behavior of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked are characterized by fear and paranoia, constantly running away even when no one is chasing them, showing their guilty conscience and lack of peace. In contrast, the righteous are described as being bold and courageous, likened to a lion in their confidence and strength. This contrast can be seen as a reminder of the moral qualities that distinguish the righteous from the wicked in the eyes of God.

One word study that sheds light on this verse is the meaning of "bold" in the phrase "the righteous are bold as a lion." The original Hebrew word used here is "bahal," which conveys the idea of being confident, secure, and fearless. By comparing the righteous to a lion, known for its strength and courage, this word emphasizes the firm and unwavering faith that the righteous possess. They do not waver in the face of adversity but stand firm in their beliefs, unafraid of the challenges that come their way.