Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Proverbs 29

The Book of Proverbs

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

CHAPTER 29

      1. hardeneth. . . neck--obstinately refuses counsel ( 2Ki 17:14 Neh 9:16 ).
      destroyed--literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."
      without remedy--literally, "without healing" or repairing.

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

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

      4. by judgment--that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare Pro 28:21 ), by which good government is perverted.
      land--for nation.

      5. (Compare Pro 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 ( Pro 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 Pro 29:14 ). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked ( Pro 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.-- ( Pro 1:11 Gen 3:4 ).
      seek. . . soul--that is, to preserve it.

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

      12. His servants imitate him.

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

      15. (Compare Pro 13:24 23:13 ).

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

      17. (Compare Pro 29:3, 15 Pro 19:18 ).
      give thee rest--peace and quiet (compare Pro 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 ( Pro 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 Pro 21:5 ).
      hasty in. . . words?--implying self-conceit ( Pro 26:12 ).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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