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. 2. (Compare Pr 11:10; 28:28). in authority -- (Compare Margin), increased in power. 3. (Compare Pr 4:6, 7; 10:1, &c.). 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. 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. 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. 7. considereth -- literally, "knows," as Ps 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. 8. Scornful men -- those who contemptuously disregard God's law. bring -- (Compare Margin), kindle strife. turn away wrath -- that is, "abate wrath." 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. 10. bloodthirsty -- (Compare Margin), murderers (Ps 5:6; 26:9). hate, &c. -- (Pr 1:11; Ge 3:4). seek ... soul -- that is, to preserve it. 11. (Compare Pr 12:16; 16:32). mind -- or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain. 12. His servants imitate him. 13. (Compare Pr 22:2). deceitful man -- literally, "man of vexations," an exactor. the Lord ... their eyes -- sustains their lives (1Sa 14:27; Ps 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice. 14. (Compare Pr 20:28; 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (Ps 72:4, 12). 15. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13). 16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Ps 12:1-8). shall see ... fall -- and triumph in it (Ps 37:34-38; 58:10, 11). 17. (Compare Pr 29:3, 15; Pr 19:18). give thee rest -- peace and quiet (compare Pr 29:9). 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; Ps 19:11). 19. A servant -- who lacks good principle. corrected -- or discovered. will not answer -- that is, will not obey. 20. (Compare Pr 21:5). hasty in ... words? -- implying self-conceit (Pr 26:12). 21. become his son -- assume the place and privileges of one. 22. (Compare Pr 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence. 23. (Compare Pr 16:18; 18:12). honour ... spirit -- or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pr 11:16). 24. hateth ... soul -- (Compare Pr 8:36). heareth cursing -- (Le 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth. 25. The fear ... snare -- involves men in difficulty (compare Pr 29:6). shall be safe -- (Compare Margin; Pr 18:10). 26. (Compare Margin; Ps 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice. 27. (Compare Pr 3:32). On last clause, compare Pr 29:16; Ps 37:12. |