Proverbs 29 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
CHAPTER 29
Pr 29:1-27.
1. hardeneth ... neck--obstinately refuses counsel (2Ki 17:14; Ne 9:16).
destroyed--literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."
without remedy--literally, "without healing" or repairing.
2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
2. (Compare Pr 11:10; 28:28).
in authority--(Compare Margin), increased in power.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
3. (Compare Pr 4:6, 7; 10:1, &c.).
4The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
4. by judgment--that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare Pr 28:21), by which good government is perverted.
land--for nation.
5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
5. (Compare Pr 26:28).
spreadeth ... feet--By misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
6. In--or, "By"
the transgression--he is brought into difficulty (Pr 12:13), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.
7The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
7. considereth--literally, "knows," as Psa 1:6.
the cause--that is, in courts of justice (compare Pr 29:14). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Pr 28:27) occasions oppression.
8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
8. Scornful men--those who contemptuously disregard God's law.
bring--(Compare Margin), kindle strife.
turn away wrath--that is, "abate wrath."
9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
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.
10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
10. bloodthirsty--(Compare Margin), murderers (Psa 5:6; 26:9).
hate, &c.--(Pr 1:11; Ge 3:4).
seek ... soul--that is, to preserve it.
11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
11. (Compare Pr 12:16; 16:32).
mind--or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.
12If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
12. His servants imitate him.
13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
13. (Compare Pr 22:2).
deceitful man--literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.
the Lord ... their eyes--sustains their lives (1Sa 14:27; Psa 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
14. (Compare Pr 20:28; 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (Psa 72:4, 12).
15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
15. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).
16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Psa 12:1-8).
shall see ... fall--and triumph in it (Psa 37:34-38; 58:10, 11).
17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
17. (Compare Pr 29:3, 15; Pr 19:18).
give thee rest--peace and quiet (compare Pr 29:9).
18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
18. no vision--instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (1Sa 3:1).
people perish--(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.
keepeth the law--has, and observes, instruction (Pr 14:11, 34; Psa 19:11).
19A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
19. A servant--who lacks good principle.
corrected--or discovered.
will not answer--that is, will not obey.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
20. (Compare Pr 21:5).
hasty in ... words?--implying self-conceit (Pr 26:12).
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
21. become his son--assume the place and privileges of one.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
22. (Compare Pr 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence.
23A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
23. (Compare Pr 16:18; 18:12).
honour ... spirit--or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pr 11:16).
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
24. hateth ... soul--(Compare Pr 8:36).
heareth cursing--(Le 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
25. The fear ... snare--involves men in difficulty (compare Pr 29:6).
shall be safe--(Compare Margin; Pr 18:10).
26Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
26. (Compare Margin; Psa 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
27. (Compare Pr 3:32). On last clause, compare Pr 29:16; Psa 37:12.