291 One who is often reproved, yet remains stubborn, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A child who loves wisdom makes a parent glad, but to keep company with prostitutes is to squander one's substance.
4 By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.
5 Whoever flatters a neighbor is spreading a net for the neighbor's feet.
6 In the transgression of the evil there is a snare, but the righteous sing and rejoice.
7 The righteous know the rights of the poor; the wicked have no such understanding.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.
9 If the wise go to law with fools, there is ranting and ridicule without relief.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to anger, but the wise quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with equity, his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.
16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you rest; they will give delight to your heart.
18 Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep 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.