The Linked Word Project

Introduction to chapter 29

(Pro. 29:1-27)

hardeneth . . . neck — obstinately refuses counsel (Kg2 17:14; Neh 9:16).

destroyed — literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."

without remedy — literally, "without healing" or repairing.

Proverbs 29:2

(Compare Pro 11:10; Pro 28:28).

in authority — (Compare Margin), increased in power.

Proverbs 29:3

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

Proverbs 29:4

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.

Proverbs 29:5

(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.

Proverbs 29:6

In — or, "By"

the transgression — he is brought into difficulty (Pro 12:13), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.

Proverbs 29:7

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.

Proverbs 29:8

Scornful men — those who contemptuously disregard God's law.

bring — (Compare Margin), kindle strife.

turn away wrath — that is, "abate wrath."

Proverbs 29:9

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.

Proverbs 29:10

bloodthirsty — (Compare Margin), murderers (Psa 5:6; Psa 26:9).

hate, &c. — (Pro 1:11; Gen 3:4).

seek . . . soul — that is, to preserve it.

Proverbs 29:11

(Compare Pro 12:16; Pro 16:32).

mind — or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.

Proverbs 29:12

His servants imitate him.

Proverbs 29:13

(Compare Pro 22:2).

deceitful man — literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.

the Lord . . . their eyes — sustains their lives (Sa1 14:27; Psa 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.

Proverbs 29:14

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

Proverbs 29:15

(Compare Pro 13:24; Pro 23:13).

Proverbs 29:16

(Compare Pro 29:2, Pro 29:12; Psa 12:1-8).

shall see . . . fall — and triumph in it (Psa 37:34-38; Psa 58:10-11).

Proverbs 29:17

(Compare Pro 29:3, Pro 29:15; Pro 19:18).

give thee rest — peace and quiet (compare Pro 29:9).

Proverbs 29:18

no vision — instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (Sa1 3:1).

people perish — (Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.

keepeth the law — has, and observes, instruction (Pro 14:11, Pro 14:34; Psa 19:11).

Proverbs 29:19

A servant — who lacks good principle.

corrected — or discovered.

will not answer — that is, will not obey.

Proverbs 29:20

(Compare Pro 21:5).

hasty in . . . words? — implying self-conceit (Pro 26:12).

Proverbs 29:21

become his son — assume the place and privileges of one.

Proverbs 29:22

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

Proverbs 29:23

(Compare Pro 16:18; Pro 18:12).

honour . . . spirit — or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pro 11:16).

Proverbs 29:24

hateth . . . soul — (Compare Pro 8:36).

heareth cursing — (Lev 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.

Proverbs 29:25

The fear . . . snare — involves men in difficulty (compare Pro 29:6).

shall be safe — (Compare Margin; Pro 18:10).

Proverbs 29:26

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

Proverbs 29:27

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