Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. CHAPTER 29
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. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 2. (Compare Pr 11:10; 28:28).
in authority—(Compare Margin), increased in power. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. 3. (Compare Pr 4:6, 7; 10:1, &c.).
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. 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. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. 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. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. 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. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. 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. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. 8. Scornful men—those who contemptuously disregard God's law.
bring—(Compare Margin), kindle strife. turn away wrath—that is, "abate wrath." If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. 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. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. 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. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. 11. (Compare Pr 12:16; 16:32).
mind—or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 12. His servants imitate him.
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 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. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. 14. (Compare Pr 20:28; 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (Ps 72:4, 12).
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. 15. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. 16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Ps 12:1-8).
shall see … fall—and triumph in it (Ps 37:34-38; 58:10, 11). Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 17. (Compare Pr 29:3, 15; Pr 19:18).
give thee rest—peace and quiet (compare Pr 29:9). Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 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). A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. 19. A servant—who lacks good principle.
corrected—or discovered. will not answer—that is, will not obey. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 20. (Compare Pr 21:5).
hasty in … words?—implying self-conceit (Pr 26:12). He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. 21. become his son—assume the place and privileges of one.
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. 22. (Compare Pr 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence.
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. 23. (Compare Pr 16:18; 18:12).
honour … spirit—or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pr 11:16). Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. 24. hateth … soul—(Compare Pr 8:36).
heareth cursing—(Le 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. 25. The fear … snare—involves men in difficulty (compare Pr 29:6).
shall be safe—(Compare Margin; Pr 18:10). Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. 26. (Compare Margin; Ps 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. 27. (Compare Pr 3:32). On last clause, compare Pr 29:16; Ps 37:12. |
