Proverbs 29:4
New International Version
By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

New Living Translation
A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.

English Standard Version
By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

Berean Standard Bible
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.

King James Bible
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

New King James Version
The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

New American Standard Bible
The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a person who takes bribes ruins it.

NASB 1995
The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

NASB 1977
The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

Legacy Standard Bible
By justice the king causes the land to stand, But a man of bribes tears it down.

Amplified Bible
The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

Christian Standard Bible
By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a person who demands “contributions” demolishes it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man who demands “contributions” demolishes it.

American Standard Version
The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.

Contemporary English Version
An honest ruler makes the nation strong; a ruler who takes bribes will bring it to ruin.

English Revised Version
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
By means of justice, a king builds up a country, but a person who confiscates religious contributions tears it down.

Good News Translation
When the king is concerned with justice, the nation will be strong, but when he is only concerned with money, he will ruin his country.

International Standard Version
A king brings stability to a land through justice, but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.

Majority Standard Bible
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.

NET Bible
A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts tribute tears it down.

New Heart English Bible
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.

Webster's Bible Translation
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

World English Bible
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A king establishes a land by judgment, "" And one receiving gifts throws it down.

Young's Literal Translation
A king by judgment establisheth a land, And one receiving gifts throweth it down.

Smith's Literal Translation
A king in judgment shall establish the land: and a man of presents shall overthrow it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.

New American Bible
By justice a king builds up the land; but one who raises taxes tears it down.

New Revised Standard Version
By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The king by justice enriches the land; but a wicked man causes it to be in want.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The king by judgment establishes the land, and the evil one deprives it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A righteous king establishes a country: but a transgressor destroys it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. 5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.…

Cross References
Isaiah 32:1
Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice.

2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,

Jeremiah 22:13-17
“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, / who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. / Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. ...

Psalm 72:1-4
Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. / May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. / May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. ...

Proverbs 16:12
Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.

Proverbs 20:28
Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.

Proverbs 28:15-16
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. / A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

1 Kings 10:9
Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.”

1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Romans 13:3-4
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. / For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Ezekiel 45:9
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Enough, O princes of Israel! Cease your violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing My people, declares the Lord GOD.’

Micah 3:1-3
Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.”

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...


Treasury of Scripture

The king by judgment establishes the land: but he that receives gifts overthrows it.

king

Proverbs 29:14
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

Proverbs 20:8
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

he that receiveth gifts

2 Kings 15:18-20
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin…

Jeremiah 22:13-17
Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; …

Daniel 11:20
Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

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Bribes Country Desires Establisheth Exacteth Exacts Full Gifts Gives Greedy Judgment Justice Makes Overthroweth Overthrows Receiveth Receiving Right Ruins Rule Safe Stability Stable Tears Throweth Waste
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Bribes Country Desires Establisheth Exacteth Exacts Full Gifts Gives Greedy Judgment Justice Makes Overthroweth Overthrows Receiveth Receiving Right Ruins Rule Safe Stability Stable Tears Throweth Waste
Proverbs 29
1. observations of public government
15. and of private
22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption














By justice
The Hebrew word for "justice" is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which encompasses a broad range of meanings including judgment, rights, and rectitude. In the biblical context, justice is a divine attribute and a fundamental principle of God's kingdom. It implies fairness, righteousness, and adherence to God's laws. A king who rules with justice aligns his governance with God's will, ensuring that the rights of all, especially the marginalized, are protected. This reflects the biblical mandate for leaders to act as God's representatives on earth, promoting peace and equity.

a king
The term "king" in Hebrew is "מֶלֶךְ" (melek). In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, responsible for leading the people according to divine statutes. The king's role was not merely political but also spiritual, serving as a shepherd to the nation. The king's adherence to justice was crucial for maintaining God's favor and ensuring the prosperity of the land. This highlights the biblical principle that leadership is a sacred trust, requiring wisdom and integrity.

gives stability
The phrase "gives stability" is derived from the Hebrew root "כּוּן" (kun), meaning to establish, prepare, or make firm. Stability in this context refers to social order, peace, and prosperity. A just ruler creates an environment where people can thrive, free from fear and oppression. This stability is not just political but also moral and spiritual, as it reflects the order and harmony of God's creation. The verse underscores the importance of righteous leadership in fostering a stable and flourishing society.

to the land
The "land" in Hebrew is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), which can refer to the physical territory or the people inhabiting it. In the biblical narrative, the land is a gift from God, a place of blessing and covenant. The well-being of the land is directly linked to the faithfulness of its leaders and people to God's commandments. A stable land is one where justice prevails, and God's presence is manifest. This emphasizes the interconnectedness of spiritual and material prosperity in the biblical worldview.

but a man who exacts tribute
The phrase "a man who exacts tribute" refers to oppressive taxation or exploitation. The Hebrew word for "tribute" is "מַס" (mas), which can imply forced labor or heavy taxation. Such practices were common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, often leading to social unrest and rebellion. The verse contrasts the destructive nature of greed and exploitation with the life-giving power of justice. It serves as a warning against the abuse of power and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of communal well-being.

demolishes it
The word "demolishes" comes from the Hebrew "הָרַס" (haras), meaning to tear down or destroy. This stark imagery conveys the devastating impact of unjust leadership on a nation. When leaders prioritize personal gain over justice, they undermine the very foundations of society, leading to chaos and ruin. The verse serves as a prophetic reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's principles, urging leaders to uphold justice as the cornerstone of their rule.

(4) By judgment.--Upright decisions.

He that receiveth gifts.--To pervert justice (Proverbs 15:27).

Verse 4. - Many of the proverbs in this chapter seem to suit the time of Jeroboam II. (see on Proverbs 28:3). The king by judgment establisheth the land. The king, the fountain of justice, by his equitable government brings his country into a healthy and settled condition (1 Kings 15:4; comp. Ver. 14; Proverbs 16:12; Proverbs 25:5). In the security of the throne the land and people participate. He that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. The expression, אִישׁ תְּרוּמות (ish terumoth), "man of offerings," "man of gifts," is ambiguous: it may mean "the taker of bribes," the unrighteous ruler who sells justice (Proverbs 15:27), or it may signify "the imposer of taxes" (Ezekiel 45:13, etc.) or forced benevolences. Aquila and Theodotion have ἀνὴρ ἀφαιρεμάτων, "man of heave offerings," and Wordsworth regards him as a man who claims and receives gifts, as if he were a deity on earth. Whichever sense we give to the phrase, the contrast lies between the inflexibly upright ruler and the iniquitous or extortionate prince. The Septuagint gives παράνομος, "a transgressor;" Vulgate, vir avarus.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
By justice
בְּ֭מִשְׁפָּט (bə·miš·pāṭ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

a king
מֶ֗לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

gives stability
יַעֲמִ֣יד (ya·‘ă·mîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

to the land,
אָ֑רֶץ (’ā·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

but a man
וְאִ֖ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who exacts tribute
תְּרוּמ֣וֹת (tə·rū·mō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8641: Contribution, offering (for sacred uses)

demolishes it.
יֶֽהֶרְסֶֽנָּה׃ (ye·her·sen·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2040: To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:4 The king by justice makes the land (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 29:3
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