Proverbs 29
CHAPTER 29
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.