CHAPTER 29

Pr 29:1-27.

1. hardeneth . neck-obstinately refuses counsel (2Ki 17:14; Ne 9:16).

destroyed-literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."

without remedy-literally, "without healing" or repairing.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

2. (Compare Pr 11:10; 28:28).

in authority-(Compare Margin), increased in power.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

3. (Compare Pr 4:6, 7; 10:1, &c.).

4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

4. by judgment-that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare Pr 28:21), by which good government is perverted.

land-for nation.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

5. (Compare Pr 26:28).

spreadeth . feet-By misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

6. In-or, "By"

the transgression-he is brought into difficulty (Pr 12:13), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.

7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

7. considereth-literally, "knows," as Ps 1:6.

the cause-that is, in courts of justice (compare Pr 29:14). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Pr 28:27) occasions oppression.

8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

8. Scornful men-those who contemptuously disregard God's law.

bring-(Compare Margin), kindle strife.

turn away wrath-that is, "abate wrath."

9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

9. contendeth-that is, in law.

whether . laugh-The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.

10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

10. bloodthirsty-(Compare Margin), murderers (Ps 5:6; 26:9).

hate, &c.-(Pr 1:11; Ge 3:4).

seek . soul-that is, to preserve it.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

11. (Compare Pr 12:16; 16:32).

mind-or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.

12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

12. His servants imitate him.

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

13. (Compare Pr 22:2).

deceitful man-literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.

the Lord . their eyes-sustains their lives (1Sa 14:27; Ps 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.

14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

14. (Compare Pr 20:28; 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (Ps 72:4, 12).

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

15. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Ps 12:1-8).

shall see . fall-and triumph in it (Ps 37:34-38; 58:10, 11).

17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

17. (Compare Pr 29:3, 15; Pr 19:18).

give thee rest-peace and quiet (compare Pr 29:9).

18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

18. no vision-instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (1Sa 3:1).

people perish-(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.

keepeth the law-has, and observes, instruction (Pr 14:11, 34; Ps 19:11).

19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

19. A servant-who lacks good principle.

corrected-or discovered.

will not answer-that is, will not obey.

20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

20. (Compare Pr 21:5).

hasty in . words?-implying self-conceit (Pr 26:12).

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

21. become his son-assume the place and privileges of one.

22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

22. (Compare Pr 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence.

23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

23. (Compare Pr 16:18; 18:12).

honour . spirit-or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pr 11:16).

24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

24. hateth . soul-(Compare Pr 8:36).

heareth cursing-(Le 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

25. The fear . snare-involves men in difficulty (compare Pr 29:6).

shall be safe-(Compare Margin; Pr 18:10).

26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

26. (Compare Margin; Ps 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

27. (Compare Pr 3:32). On last clause, compare Pr 29:16; Ps 37:12.