Proverbs Chapter 29 @ Commentary for Proverbs 29 (Proverbs 29:1-27)

Proverbs Chapter 29

1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Commentary for Proverbs 29

1 If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ. #2|. The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked. #3|. Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts. #4|. The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people. #5|. Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. #6|. Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety. #7|. This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked. #8|. The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. #9|. If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done. #10|. Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation. 11|. He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. #12|. One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. #13|. Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. #14|. The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. #15|. Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. #16|. Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. #17|. Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. #18|. How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. 19|. Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. #20|. When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. #21|. Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place. #22|. An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God. #23|. Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. #24|. The receiver is as bad as the thief. #25|. Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare. 26|. The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be. #27|. The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.

Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.