Tree of Life Version
Proverbs 29:4
4By justice a king brings stability to a land, but one who takes bribes brings it ruin.
Proverbs 29:4 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
- New International Version (NIV)By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
- English Standard Version (ESV)By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
Context of Proverbs 29:4
2When the righteous thrive, people rejoice. When the wicked rule, people groan. 3Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king brings stability to a land, but one who takes bribes brings it ruin. 5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6In an evil man’s wrongdoing is a trap, but the righteous sings and rejoices.
Read all of Proverbs 29Proverbs 29:4 word by word
מֶ֗לֶךְ בְּ֭מִשְׁפָּט יַעֲמִ֣יד אָ֑רֶץ וְאִ֖ישׁ תְּרוּמ֣וֹת יֶֽהֶרְסֶֽנָּה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 29:4
- Proverbs 29:14If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will always be secure.
- Proverbs 16:12Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings, for a throne is established by righteousness.
- Proverbs 20:8A king sitting on the throne to judge separates out all evil with his eyes.
- 1 Samuel 13:13Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly by not keeping the commandment of Adonai your God which He commanded you. For now, Adonai would have established your kingship over Israel forever.
- 2 Samuel 8:15David reigned over all Israel, and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
- 1 Kings 2:12Then Solomon sat upon the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was established firmly. Solomon’s Throne Secured
- Psalms 89:14Your arm is mighty, Your hand is strong, exalted is Your right hand.
- Psalms 99:4The might of a king loves justice. You have established fairness. You executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
- Isaiah 9:7Adonai sent a word to Jacob, and it fell upon Israel.
- Isaiah 49:8Thus says Adonai: “In a time of favor I will answer you. in a day of salvation I will help you. I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, to restore the land, to make them possess its desolate inheritances,
- 2 Kings 15:18But he did what was evil in Adonai’s eyes. Throughout his days he never turned away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to commit.
- Jeremiah 22:13Oy to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his roof-chambers by injustice, that makes his neighbor work without pay, never giving him his wages,
- Daniel 11:20“In his place will arise one who will dispatch a tax collector to extract tribute for royal glory, but within a few days he will be destroyed, though not in anger or battle.
- Micah 7:3Both hands are diligent at doing evil. The official and the judge ask for a bribe. The distinguished man utters a desire of his soul. Thus they weave it together.
Commentaries on Proverbs 29:4
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 4He that receiveth gifts - This was notoriously the case in this kingdom, before the passing of the Magna Charta, or great charter of liberties. Hence that article in it, Nulli vendemus justitiam; "We will not sell justice to any." I have met with cases in our ancient records where, in order to get his right, a man was obliged almost to ruin himself in presents to the king, queen, and their favourites, to get the case decided in his favor.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 4Verse 4 The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 4A fair king protects the rights of others. A ruler who takes bribes uses his position for personal benefit (see also Proverbs 17:23; 22:16; 28:21).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 44. 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.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 29:4
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 29
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
Tree of Life Version — © 2015 The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society
Commentaries