Proverbs
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Proverbs 29
Proverbs 29
1He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Commentary · verse 1
2When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Commentary · verse 2
The "people" knew when they were led by the righteous or the wicked because the righteous facilitated the purpose and progress of others while the wicked facilitated their own purpose and progress.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance.
4The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Commentary · verses 3-4
A king's land was established by Justice. Those rulers who took and did not give would overthrow their land.
5A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know it.
5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
Commentary · verses 5-7
The righteous considered the cause of the poor. Did Solomon do this?
8Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath.
8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
Commentary · verse 8
When your actions were right (wisdom) you would turn away wrath.
9If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
10The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life.
9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Men who sought the hurt of others hated those who were perfect (maximum profitability) while those who lived rightly sought the life of those who were perfect. Those who were living wisely wanted to learn from those who were also wise.
12If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.
12If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
Commentary · verse 12
A ruler who heard falsehood surrounded himself with people (his servants) who were also false (wicked). The rulers who did not live right surrounded themselves with people who would facilitate his purpose and progress and therefore they were also wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever.
13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Commentary · verses 13-14
The king that judged the poor with understanding would have his throne be established forever. Did Solomon do this?
15The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Commentary · verse 15
Correction brought wisdom.
16When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.
16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
Commentary · verse 16
When the wicked increased so did their evil actions. But, the righteous looked upon the fall of those who were wicked in order to see what not to do and also looked to see within themselves how they could grow from where they had been wrong, which was contrastive.
17Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Commentary · verses 17-18
When people were unaware of where they were going, they couldn't make progress.
19A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
19A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Commentary · verses 19-20
The word hastily meant "urgently, without thought." There was more hope of a fool than a man who spoke hastily because a fool could speak knowledge (right WHAT). Speaking hastily would often be speaking a wrong what.
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
Commentary · verses 21-22
Angry men started arguments to cause others to be angry too. If your anger led your actions, they would abound in transgression.
23A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
23A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Commentary · verse 23
Pride would bring a man low. Humility would bring a man honor. See Matthew 23:12.
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Commentary · verses 24-25
Trusting (faith) in God would bring you safety.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor; But a man’s judgment cometh from Jehovah.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
26Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Commentary · verses 26-27
This final chapter from Solomon was a fitting summary of everything Solomon wrote in the Book of Proverbs. All of the themes were woven together in this chapter in some pretty complicated proverbs: understanding, managing emotions, the perspective of a king/judge, frustration dealing with fools, interactions between people, and the righteous and wicked were contrasted.
Commentary · verse 27
The last two chapters of the Book of Proverbs were written by authors other than Solomon. The next book in the order of the Bible was the Book of Ecclesiastes and was essentially Solomon's manifesto. If you want to read about the event that most likely caused Solomon to come to the conclusions he did in the Book of Ecclesiastes, read the Book of the Song of Solomon (only two days) before you read the Book of Ecclesiastes.
Those who were unwilling or unable to consider they were wrong would be destroyed. There was no cure for pride if you were unwilling to choose to be humble.