Proverbs 29 Bible Commentary

Pr 29:1-27.

1. hardeneth . . . neck--obstinately refuses counsel (2Ki 17:14; Ne 9:16).
destroyed--literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."
without remedy--literally, "without healing" or repairing.

2. (Compare Pr 11:10; 28:28).
in authority--(Compare Margin), increased in power.

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

4. by judgment--that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare Pr 28:21), by which good government is perverted.
land--for nation.

5. (Compare Pr 26:28).
spreadeth . . . feet--By misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.

6. In--or, "By"
the transgression--he is brought into difficulty (Pr 12:13), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.

7. considereth--literally, "knows," as Ps 1:6.
the cause--that is, in courts of justice (compare Pr 29:14). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Pr 28:27) occasions oppression.

8. Scornful men--those who contemptuously disregard God's law.
bring--(Compare Margin), kindle strife.
turn away wrath--that is, "abate wrath."

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.

10. bloodthirsty--(Compare Margin), murderers (Ps 5:6; 26:9).
hate, &c.-- (Pr 1:11; Ge 3:4).
seek . . . soul--that is, to preserve it.

11. (Compare Pr 12:16; 16:32).
mind--or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.

12. His servants imitate him.

13. (Compare Pr 22:2).
deceitful man--literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.
the Lord . . . their eyes--sustains their lives (1Sa 14:27; Ps 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.

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

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

16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Ps 12:1-8).
shall see . . . fall--and triumph in it (Ps 37:34-38; 58:10, 11).

17. (Compare Pr 29:3, 15; Pr 19:18).
give thee rest--peace and quiet (compare Pr 29:9).

18. no vision--instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (1Sa 3:1).
people perish--(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.
keepeth the law--has, and observes, instruction (Pr 14:11, 34; Ps 19:11).

19. A servant--who lacks good principle.
corrected--or discovered.
will not answer--that is, will not obey.

20. (Compare Pr 21:5).
hasty in . . . words?--implying self-conceit (Pr 26:12).

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

22. (Compare Pr 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence.

23. (Compare Pr 16:18; 18:12).
honour . . . spirit--or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pr 11:16).

24. hateth . . . soul--(Compare Pr 8:36).
heareth cursing-- (Le 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.

25. The fear . . . snare--involves men in difficulty (compare Pr 29:6).
shall be safe--(Compare Margin; Pr 18:10).

26. (Compare Margin; Ps 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.

27. (Compare Pr 3:32). On last clause, compare Pr 29:16; Ps 37:12.