Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 29

Introduction

CHAPTER 29

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Verse 1

1. hardeneth . . . neck—obstinately refuses counsel (2 Kings 17:14; Nehemiah 9:16).

destroyed—literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."

without remedy—literally, "without healing" or repairing.

Verse 2

2. (Compare Proverbs 11:10; Proverbs 28:28).

in authority—(Compare Margin), increased in power.

Verse 3

3. (Compare Proverbs 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 10:1, &c.).

Verse 4

4. by judgment—that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare :-), by which good government is perverted.

land—for nation.

Verse 5

5. (Compare :-).

spreadeth . . . feet—By misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.

Verse 6

6. In—or, "By"

the transgression—he is brought into difficulty ( :-), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.

Verse 7

7. considereth—literally, "knows," as Psalms 1:6.

the cause—that is, in courts of justice (compare Psalms 1:6- :). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Psalms 1:6- :) occasions oppression.

Verse 8

8. Scornful men—those who contemptuously disregard God's law.

bring—(Compare Margin), kindle strife.

turn away wrath—that is, "abate wrath."

Verse 9

9. contendeth—that is, in law.

whether . . . laugh—The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.

Verse 10

10. bloodthirsty—(Compare Margin), murderers (Psalms 5:6; Psalms 26:9).

hate, c.— (Proverbs 1:11 Genesis 3:4).

seek . . . soul—that is, to preserve it.

Verse 11

11. (Compare Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 16:32).

mind—or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.

Verse 12

12. His servants imitate him.

Verse 13

13. (Compare :-).

deceitful man—literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.

the Lord . . . their eyes—sustains their lives (1 Samuel 14:27; Psalms 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.

Verse 14

14. (Compare Proverbs 20:28; Proverbs 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (Psalms 72:4; Psalms 72:12).

Verse 15

15. (Compare Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 23:13).

Verse 16

16. (Compare Proverbs 29:2; Proverbs 29:12; Psalms 12:1-8).

shall see . . . fall—and triumph in it (Psalms 37:34-38; Psalms 58:10; Psalms 58:11).

Verse 17

17. (Compare Proverbs 29:3; Proverbs 29:15; Proverbs 19:18).

give thee rest—peace and quiet (compare Proverbs 29:9).

Verse 18

18. no vision—instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions ( :-).

people perish—(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.

keepeth the law—has, and observes, instruction (Proverbs 14:11; Proverbs 14:34; Psalms 19:11).

Verse 19

19. A servant—who lacks good principle.

corrected—or discovered.

will not answer—that is, will not obey.

Verse 20

20. (Compare :-).

hasty in . . . words?—implying self-conceit ( :-).

Verse 21

21. become his son—assume the place and privileges of one.

Verse 22

22. (Compare :-). Such are delighted by discord and violence.

Verse 23

23. (Compare Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12).

honour . . . spirit—or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Proverbs 18:12- :).

Verse 24

24. hateth . . . soul—(Compare Proverbs 8:36).

heareth cursing— (Proverbs 8:36- :), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.

Verse 25

25. The fear . . . snare—involves men in difficulty (compare :-).

shall be safe—(Compare Margin; Proverbs 18:10).

Verse 26

26. (Compare Margin; :-). God alone will and can do exact justice.

Verse 27

27. (Compare :-). On last clause, compare Proverbs 29:16; Psalms 37:12.