Proverbs 29 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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 Psa 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 ( Psa 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.
13. (Compare Pr 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 Pr 20:28 ; 25:5 ). Such is the character of the King of kings ( Psa 72:4 , 12 ).
15. (Compare Pr 13:24 ; 23:13 ).
16. (Compare Pr 29:2 , 12 ; Psa 12:1-8 ). shall see ... fall-- and triumph in it (Psa 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 ; Psa 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; Psa 27:8 ). God alone will and can do exact justice.