Proverbs 29:4-14

4 By means of justice, a king builds up a country, but a person who confiscates religious contributions tears it down.

5 A person who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for him to step into.

6 To an evil person sin is bait in a trap, but a righteous person runs away from it and is glad.

7 A righteous person knows the just cause of the poor. A wicked person does not understand this.

8 Mockers create an uproar in a city, but wise people turn away anger.

9 When a wise person goes to court with a stubborn fool, he may rant and rave, but there is no peace and quiet.

10 Bloodthirsty people hate an innocent person, but decent people seek [to protect] his life.

11 A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them.

12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked.

13 A poor person and an oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives both of them sight.

14 When a king judges the poor with honesty, his throne will always be secure.

Proverbs 29:4-14 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.