Proverbs 29:4-14

4 By justice a king ¹builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts^[a] tears it down.

5 ²A man who flatters his neighbor spreads ³a net for his feet.

6 An evil man is ⁴ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man ⁵sings and rejoices.

7 A righteous man ⁶knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not ⁷understand such knowledge.

8 ⁸Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is ⁹no quiet.

10 Bloodthirsty men ¹⁰hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.^[b]

11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.

13 The poor man and the oppressor ¹¹meet together; the LORD ¹² gives light to the eyes of both.

14 If a king ¹³faithfully judges the poor, his throne will ¹⁴be established 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.

Cross References

• 1. [ver. 14; 2 Chronicles 9:8]
• 2. Proverbs 28:23
• 3. [Psalms 9:15]
• 4. [Ecclesiastes 9:12]
• 5. [Exodus 15:1, 21; Psalms 35:27]
• 6. Job 29:16; Psalms 41:1
• 7. [Proverbs 28:27]
• 8. [Proverbs 11:11]
• 9. [Ecclesiastes 4:6]
• 10. [Genesis 4:5, 8; 1 John 3:12]
• 11. [Proverbs 22:2]
• 12. Psalms 13:3; See Job 25:3
• 13. [Psalms 72:4]
• 14. [ver. 4]; See Proverbs 16:12

Footnotes

• [a]. Or who taxes heavily
• [b]. Or but the upright seek his soul