291 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck
will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 The king by justice makes the land stable,
but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is snared by his sin,
but the righteous can sing and be glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor.
The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
8 Mockers stir up a city,
but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,
the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity;
and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool vents all of his anger,
but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all of his officials are wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 The king who fairly judges the poor,
his throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod of correction gives wisdom,
but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, sin increases;
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace;
yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
but one who keeps the law is blessed.
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.