Commentary on Proverbs 29

(Pro. 29:1-27)

hardeneth . . . neck--obstinately refuses counsel (Kg2 17:14; Neh 9:16).

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

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

(Compare Pro 11:10; Pro 28:28).

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

(Compare Pro 4:6-7; Pro 10:1, &c.).

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

land--for nation.

(Compare Pro 26:28).

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

In--or, "By"

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

considereth--literally, "knows," as Psa 1:6.

the cause--that is, in courts of justice (compare Pro 29:14). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Pro 28:27) occasions oppression.

Scornful men--those who contemptuously disregard God's law.

bring--(Compare Margin), kindle strife.

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

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.

bloodthirsty--(Compare Margin), murderers (Psa 5:6; Psa 26:9).

hate, &c.-- (Pro 1:11; Gen 3:4).

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

(Compare Pro 12:16; Pro 16:32).

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

His servants imitate him.

(Compare Pro 22:2).

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

the Lord . . . their eyes--sustains their lives (Sa1 14:27; Psa 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.

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

(Compare Pro 13:24; Pro 23:13).

(Compare Pro 29:2, Pro 29:12; Psa 12:1-8).

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

(Compare Pro 29:3, Pro 29:15; Pro 19:18).

give thee rest--peace and quiet (compare Pro 29:9).

no vision--instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (Sa1 3:1).

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

keepeth the law--has, and observes, instruction (Pro 14:11, Pro 14:34; Psa 19:11).

A servant--who lacks good principle.

corrected--or discovered.

will not answer--that is, will not obey.

(Compare Pro 21:5).

hasty in . . . words?--implying self-conceit (Pro 26:12).

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

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

(Compare Pro 16:18; Pro 18:12).

honour . . . spirit--or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pro 11:16).

hateth . . . soul--(Compare Pro 8:36).

heareth cursing-- (Lev 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.

The fear . . . snare--involves men in difficulty (compare Pro 29:6).

shall be safe--(Compare Margin; Pro 18:10).

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

(Compare Pro 3:32). On last clause, compare Pro 29:16; Psa 37:12.

Next: Proverbs Chapter 30