4 A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.
He did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not keep himself from the sin which Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, did and made Israel do. In his day, Pul, the king of Assyria, came up against the land; and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver so that he might let him keep the kingdom. And Menahem got the money from Israel, from all the men of wealth, fifty silver shekels from every man, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria went back without stopping in the land.
A curse is on him who is building his house by wrongdoing, and his rooms by doing what is not right; who makes use of his neighbour without payment, and gives him nothing for his work; Who says, I will make a wide house for myself, and rooms of great size, and has windows cut out, and has it roofed with cedar and painted with bright red. Are you to be a king because you make more use of cedar than your father? did not your father take food and drink and do right, judging in righteousness, and then it was well for him? He was judge in the cause of the poor and those in need; then it was well. Was not this to have knowledge of me? says the Lord. But your eyes and your heart are fixed only on profit for yourself, on causing the death of him who has done no wrong, and on violent and cruel acts.
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.