Proverbs 29

1 A reprover is better than a stiff-necked man: for when the latter is suddenly set on fire, there shall be no remedy.

2 When the righteous are praised, the people will rejoice: but when the ungodly rule, men mourn.

3 When a man loves wisdom, his father rejoices: but he that keeps harlots will waste wealth.

4 A righteous king establishes a country: but a transgressor destroys .

5 He that prepares a net in the way of his own friend, entangles his own feet in it.

6 A great snare for a sinner: but the righteous shall be in joy and gladness.

7 A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor: but the ungodly understands not knowledge; and the poor man has not an understanding mind.

8 Lawless men burn down a city: but wise men turn away wrath.

9 A wise man shall judge nations: but a worthless man being angry laughs and fears not.

10 Bloody men hate a holy , but the upright will seek his soul.

11 A fool utters all is mind: but the wise reserves his in part.

12 When a king hearkens to unjust language, all his subjects are transgressors.

13 When the creditor and debtor meet together, the Lord oversees them both.

14 When a king judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for a testimony.

15 Stripes and reproofs give wisdom: but an erring child disgraces his parents.

16 When the ungodly abound, sins abound: but when they fall, the righteous are warned.

17 Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest; and he shall give honour to thy soul.

18 There shall be no interpreter to a sinful nation: but he that observes the law is blessed.

19 A stubborn servant will not be reproved by words: for even if he understands, still he will not obey.

20 If thou see a man hasty in words, know that the fool has hope rather than he.

21 He that lives wantonly from a child, shall be a servant, and in the end shall grieve over himself.

22 A furious man stirs up strife, and a passionate man digs up sin.

23 Pride brings a man low, but the Lord upholds the humble-minded with honour.

24 He that shares with a thief, hates his own soul: and if any having heard an oath uttered tell not of it,

25 fearing and reverencing men have been overthrown, but he that trusts in the Lord shall rejoice. Ungodliness causes a man to stumble: but he that trusts in his master shall be safe.

26 Many wait on the favour of rulers; but justice comes to a man from the Lord.

27 A righteous man is an abomination to an unrighteous man, and the direct way is an abomination to the sinner.

Proverbs 29 Commentary

Chapter 29

Verse 1 If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ. Verse 2 . The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked. Verse 3 . Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts. Verse 4 . The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people. Verse 5 . Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. Verse 6 . Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety. Verse 7 . This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked. Verse 8 . The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. Verse 9 . If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done. Verse 10 . Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation. Verse 11 . He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. Verse 12 . One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. Verse 13 . Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. Verse 14 . The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. Verse 15 . Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. Verse 16 . Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. Verse 17 . Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. Verse 18 . How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. Verse 19 . Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. Verse 20 . When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. Verse 21 . Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place. Verse 22 . An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God. Verse 23 . Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. Verse 24 . The receiver is as bad as the thief. Verse 25 . Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare. Verse 26 . The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be. Verse 27 . The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb. 'for ever.' See Amos 1. 11; Mich 7. 18; in the Greek.
• [b]. Or, 'most blessed.'
• [c]. Possibly, 'in the Lord.' See 2 Pet 2. 1.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 16

This chapter contains a prophecy of the ruin of the family of Baasha, and an account of his death, 1Ki 16:1-7, and of his son's reigning in his stead two years, who was slain by Zimri one of his captains, 1Ki 16:8-14, and who reigned but seven days, 1Ki 16:15-20, and the people being divided between Tibni and Omri, the party for the latter prevailed, and he was made king, and reigned twelve years, 1Ki 16:21-28, and was succeeded by his son Ahab, a very wicked prince, 1Ki 16:29-33, and the chapter is concluded with the rebuilding of Jericho, 1Ki 16:34.