Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · Proverbs 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.