Proverbs 29:2

2 When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.

Proverbs 29:2 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:2

When the righteous are in authority
Or "are increased" {g}; either in number or in riches, or in power and dominion; are set in high places, and have the exercise of civil government and the execution of the laws in their hands; for the protection of good men in their civil and religious privileges, and for the punishment of evil men; for the encouraging of all that is good, and for the discouraging of everything that is bad; the people rejoice;
the whole body of the people, because of the public good; a state is happy under such an administration; everyone feels and enjoys the advantage of it; see ( 1 Kings 4:20 ) ; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn;
or "groan" ^F8, or "will groan", under their tyranny and oppression, and because of the sad state of things; the number of good men is lessened, being cut off, or obliged to flee; wicked men and wickedness are encouraged and promoted; heavy taxes are laid upon them, and exorbitant demands made and cruelty, injustice, and arbitrary power exercised; and no man's person and property safe; see ( Proverbs 10:11 ) ( Proverbs 28:12 Proverbs 28:28 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 (twbrb) "cum augentur", Junius & Tremellius; "cum multiplicati fuerit, vel multiplicantur", Vatablus, Baynus, Cocceius, Michaelis; "in multiplicari justos", Montanus.
F8 (xnay) "gemet", Pagninus, Montanus, V. L. "gemit", Michaelis; "ingemiscit", Schultens; so the Tugurine version, Mercerus; "suspirat", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius.

Proverbs 29:2 In-Context

1 A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.

2 When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.

3 A man who is a lover of wisdom is a joy to his father: but he who goes in the company of loose women is a waster of wealth.

4 A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.

5 A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.