4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand. And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land.
Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion. Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him? He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD. But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 29
Commentary on Proverbs 29 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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 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.
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 (Ps 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; Ps 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 (Ps 72:4, 12).
15. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).
16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Ps 12:1-8).
shall see … fall—and triumph in it (Ps 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; Ps 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; Ps 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.
27. (Compare Pr 3:32). On last clause, compare Pr 29:16; Ps 37:12.