Proverbs 29

1 The man that with a stiff neck despiseth him that reproveth him, shall suddenly be destroyed: and health shall not follow him.

2 When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.

3 A man that loveth wisdom, rejoiceth his father: but he that maintaineth harlots, shall squander away his substance.

4 A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.

5 A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.

6 A snare shall entangle the wicked man when he sinneth: and the just shall praise and rejoice.

7 The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.

8 Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry, or laugh, he shall find no rest.

10 Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his soul.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.

12 A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.

13 The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.

14 The king that judgeth the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for ever.

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will, bringeth his mother to shame.

16 When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.

17 Instruct thy son and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.

18 When prophecy shall fail, the people shall be scattered abroad: but he that keepeth the law, is blessed.

19 A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer.

20 Hast thou seen a man hasty to speak? folly is rather to be looked for, than his amendment.

21 He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.

22 A passionate man provoketh quarrels: and he that is easily stirred up to wrath, shall be more prone to sin.

23 Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.

24 He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.

25 He that feareth man shall quickly fall: he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high.

26 Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of every one cometh forth from the Lord.

27 The just abhor a wicked man: and the wicked loathe them that are in the right way. The son that keepeth the word, shall be free from destruction.

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.

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.