Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryProverbs 29

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (Psa 5:6; 26:9). hate, &c.--(Pr 1:11; Ge 3:4). seek ... soul--that is, to preserve it.

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

12. His servants imitate him.

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.

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

15. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).

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

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

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).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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