Mishle 29

1 9 He, that being often reproved, stiffeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without marpeh (remedy).

2 When the tzaddikim are increased, the people rejoice, but when the rasha beareth rule, the people groan.

3 He who loveth chochmah rejoiceth aviv, but he that keepeth company with zonot squanders his hon (substance, wealth).

4 Melech by mishpat establisheth eretz, but an ish terumot (a man of bribes) bringeth it down.

5 A gever that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a reshet (net) for his feet.

6 By peysha (transgression) an ish rah is snared, but the tzaddik doth sing and have simchah.

7 The tzaddik considereth the cause of the dalim, but the rasha (wicked) doeth not understand such da’as (knowledge).

8 Scornful men enflame a city, but chachamim turn away af (wrath).

9 If an ish chacham has to contend with a fool, he [the fool] rageth or laugheth, and hath no rest.

10 The anshei damim hate integrity, but the yesharim seek his nefesh (soul, i.e., his soul’s well-being).

11 A kesil (fool) uttereth all his wrath, but a chacham keepeth it back quietly.

12 If a moshel pays heed to davar sheker, all his mesharetim (officials, ministers) are resha’im.

13 The rahsh (pauper) and the oppressor have this in common: Hashem enlighteneth both their eynayim.

14 If Melech shofet be’emes (judges in truth) the dalim, his kisse shall be established forever.

15 The shevet (rod) and tokhakhat (reproof) give chochmah, but a na’ar (child) left to himself bringeth immo to shame.

16 When the resha’im are multiplied, peysha (transgression) increaseth, but the tzaddikim shall see their downfall.

17 Correct binecha, and he shall give thee rest; indeed, he shall give delight unto thy nefesh.

18 Where there is no chazon (prophetic vision), the people cast off restaint [i.e., perish ungovernable], but he that is shomer over the torah, happy is he.

19 An eved will not be corrected by devarim, for though he understand he will not answer.

20 Seest thou an ish that is hasty in his devarim? There is more tikvah for a kesil (fool) than for him.

21 He that pampers his eved from youth up shall have him as his ben at the acharit (end).

22 An ish af (angry man) stirreth up strife, and a ba’al chemah (ill-tempered man) aboundeth in peysha (transgression).

23 Ga’avat adam (pride of man) shall bring him low, but the humble in ruach shall attain kavod.

24 He who is partner with a ganav hateth his own nefesh; he heareth the curse of the victim but discloses nothing.

25 The fear of adam bringeth a mokesh (snare), but he who putteth his trust in Hashem shall be secure.

26 Many seek the moshel’s favor, but mishpat ish cometh from Hashem.

27 An unjust man is a to’evah to the tzaddikim, and he that is yeshar derech (upright in the way) is to’evah to the rasha.

Mishle 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.

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.