Proverbs 29

1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and without remedy.

2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots destroyeth [his] substance.

4 A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth it.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous shall sing and rejoice.

7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge.

8 Scornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger.

9 If a wise man contendeth with a fool, whether he rage or laugh, [he] hath no rest.

10 The bloodthirsty hate the perfect, but the upright care for his soul.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise [man] keepeth it back.

12 If a ruler hearken to lying words, all his servants are wicked.

13 The indigent and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.

14 A king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.

16 When the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall.

17 Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest, and shall give delight unto thy soul.

18 Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the law.

19 A servant is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer.

20 Hast thou seen a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall in the end have him as a son.

22 An angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23 A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.

24 Whoso shareth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration, and declareth not.

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected.

26 Many seek the ruler's face; but a man's right judgment is from Jehovah.

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; and he that is of upright way is an abomination to the wicked [man].

Proverbs 29 Commentary

Chapter 29

Verse 1 If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ. Verse 2 . The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked. Verse 3 . Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts. Verse 4 . The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people. Verse 5 . Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. Verse 6 . Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety. Verse 7 . This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked. Verse 8 . The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. Verse 9 . If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done. Verse 10 . Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation. Verse 11 . He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. Verse 12 . One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. Verse 13 . Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. Verse 14 . The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. Verse 15 . Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. Verse 16 . Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. Verse 17 . Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. Verse 18 . How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. Verse 19 . Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. Verse 20 . When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. Verse 21 . Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place. Verse 22 . An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God. Verse 23 . Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. Verse 24 . The receiver is as bad as the thief. Verse 25 . Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare. Verse 26 . The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be. Verse 27 . The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit. ver. 1 'A man of reproofs;' ver. 4: 'a man of gifts.'
• [b]. Geber: so ch. 30.1,19: see Job 3.3.
• [c]. Or 'shout,' as Isa. 24.14.
• [d]. Lit. 'a man, a fool' (Ish eveel): see ch. 1.7.
• [e]. Others, 'and [as for] the upright, they seek his life.'
• [f]. Kesil: see note o, ch. 1.7.
• [g]. Or 'passion.'
• [h]. Lit. 'keepeth back and calmeth.'
• [i]. As ch. 22.2.
• [j]. Or 'brighteneth.'
• [k]. Strictly, 'son of the house;' i.e. he gets into possession of his master's goods.
• [l]. See Lev. 5.1.
• [m]. Or 'shall be set on high:' see Ps. 20.1; 69.29.

Chapter Summary

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.