291 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy .
2 When the righteous increase , the people rejoice , But when a wicked man rules , people groan .
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad , But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth .
4 The king gives stability to the land by justice , But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps .
6 By transgression an evil man is ensnared , But the righteous sings and rejoices .
7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor , The wicked does not understand such concern .
8 Scorners e set a city aflame , But wise men turn away anger .
9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man , The foolish man either rages or laughs , and there is no rest .
10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless , But the upright are concerned for his life .
11 A fool always loses his temper , But a wise man holds it back .
12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood , All his ministers become wicked .
13 The poor man and the oppressor e have this in common : The Lord gives light to the eyes of both .
14 If a king judges the poor with truth , His throne will be established forever .
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom , But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother .
16 When the wicked increase , transgression increases ; But the righteous will see their fall .
17 Correct your son , and he will give you comfort ; He will also delight your soul .
18 Where there is no vision , the people are unrestrained , But happy is he who keeps the law .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1-18
Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
(Read 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.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:2
(Read Proverbs 29:2)
The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
(Read Proverbs 29:3)
Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
(Read Proverbs 29:4)
The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:5
(Read Proverbs 29:5)
Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:6
(Read Proverbs 29:6)
Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
(Read Proverbs 29:7)
This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:8
(Read Proverbs 29:8)
The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:9
(Read Proverbs 29:9)
If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:10
(Read Proverbs 29:10)
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.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:11
(Read Proverbs 29:11)
He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:12
(Read Proverbs 29:12)
One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
(Read Proverbs 29:13)
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.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:14
(Read Proverbs 29:14)
The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
(Read Proverbs 29:15)
Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
(Read Proverbs 29:16)
Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:17
(Read Proverbs 29:17)
Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss.
Commentary on Proverbs 29:18
(Read Proverbs 29:18)
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.