Proverbs 29:2

2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.^[a]

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 One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be broken suddenly- and without a remedy.

2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.

4 By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man [who demands] "contributions" demolishes it.

5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 28:1; Ex 2:23; 1 Ch 29:9