Proverbs 29:4-14

4 If a king is fair, he makes his country strong, but if he takes gifts dishonestly, he tears his country down.

5 Those who give false praise to their neighbors are setting a trap for them.

6 Evil people are trapped by their own sin, but good people can sing and be happy.

7 Good people care about justice for the poor, but the wicked are not concerned.

8 People who make fun of wisdom cause trouble in a city, but wise people calm anger down.

9 When a wise person takes a foolish person to court, the fool only shouts or laughs, and there is no peace.

10 Murderers hate an honest person and try to kill those who do right.

11 Foolish people lose their tempers, but wise people control theirs.

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

13 The poor person and the cruel person are alike in that the Lord gave eyes to both of them.

14 If a king judges poor people fairly, his government will continue forever.

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.