Proverbs 29

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. 4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. 5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. 7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. 8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. 11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the Lord lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. 20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. 22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. 23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. 24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Commentary — not Bible text

Proverbs 29:1

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.

Proverbs 29:2

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

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

Proverbs 29:4

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.

Proverbs 29:5

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.

Proverbs 29:6

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.

Proverbs 29:7

7. considereth--literally, "knows," as Psa 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.

Proverbs 29:8

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

bring--(Compare Margin), kindle strife.

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

Proverbs 29:9

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.

Proverbs 29:10

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

hate, &c.--(Pr 1:11; Ge 3:4).

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

Proverbs 29:11

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

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

Proverbs 29:12

12. His servants imitate him.

Proverbs 29:13

13. (Compare Pr 22:2).

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

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

Proverbs 29:18

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; Psa 19:11).

Proverbs 29:19

19. A servant--who lacks good principle.

corrected--or discovered.

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

Proverbs 29:20

20. (Compare Pr 21:5).

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

Proverbs 29:21

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

Proverbs 29:22

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

Proverbs 29:23

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

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

Proverbs 29:24

24. hateth ... soul--(Compare Pr 8:36).

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

Proverbs 29:25

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

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

Proverbs 29:26

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

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