291 A man often reproved, hardening the neck, Is suddenly broken, and there is no healing.
2 In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh.
3 A man loving wisdom rejoiceth his father, And a friend of harlots destroyeth wealth.
4 A king by judgment establisheth a land, And one receiving gifts throweth it down.
5 A man taking a portion above his neighbour, Spreadeth a net for his own steps.
6 In the transgression of the evil 'is' a snare, And the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7 The righteous knoweth the plea of the poor, The wicked understandeth not knowledge.
8 Men of scorning ensnare a city, And the wise turn back anger.
9 A wise man is judged by the foolish man, And he hath been angry, And he hath laughed, and there is no rest.
10 Men of blood hate the perfect, And the upright seek his soul.
11 A fool bringeth out all his mind, And the wise till afterwards restraineth it.
12 A ruler who is attending to lying words, All his ministers 'are' wicked.
13 The poor and the man of frauds have met together, Jehovah is enlightening the eyes of them both.
14 a king that is judging truly the poor, His throne for ever is established.
15 A rod and reproof give wisdom, And a youth let away is shaming his mother.
16 In the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplieth, And the righteous on their fall do look.
17 Chastise thy son, and he giveth thee comfort, Yea, he giveth delights to thy soul.
18 Without a Vision is a people made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness!
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.