Proverbs 29:2-12

2 When the righteous are numerous, the people will rejoice, but when the wicked are ruling, people will groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom will make his parents glad, but the friend of prostitutes will squander his wealth.

4 By justice a king gives stability [to] a land, but a man of bribes will ruin it.

5 A strong man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.

6 In transgression, an evil man [is] a snare, but [the] righteous will sing and rejoice.

7 [The] righteous knows [the] case of the poor, but [the] wicked does not understand knowledge.

8 Men of scoffing set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

9 [If] a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, then there is rankling and ridicule, but there is no relief.

10 Men of blood hate [the] blameless, and they seek the life of the upright.

11 A fool gives all his breath, but [the] wise holds back in quiet.

12 A ruler listening to a word of falsehood, all his officials are wicked.

Proverbs 29:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "whores"
• [b]. Hebrew "he will rejoice"
• [c]. Hebrew "there is ridicule"
• [d]. Or "soul," or "inner self"
• [e]. Or "spirit"