CHAPTER 29

Proverbs 29:1-27 .

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

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

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

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

5. (Compare Proverbs 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 ( Proverbs 12:13 ), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.

7. considereth--literally, "knows," as Psalms 1:6 .
the cause--that is, in courts of justice (compare Proverbs 29:14 ). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked ( Proverbs 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 ( Psalms 5:6 , 26:9 ).
hate, &c.--( Proverbs 1:11 , Genesis 3:4 ).
seek . . . soul--that is, to preserve it.

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

12. His servants imitate him.

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

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

15. (Compare Proverbs 13:24 , 23:13 ).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27. (Compare Proverbs 3:32 ). On last clause, compare Proverbs 29:16 , Psalms 37:12 .