Proverbs 29:26
Proverbs 29:26 in Multiple Translations
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
Many seek the ruler’s favor; But a man’s judgment cometh from Jehovah.
The approval of a ruler is desired by great numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord.
Many people look for favors from a ruler, but justice comes from the Lord.
Many doe seeke the face of the ruler: but euery mans iudgement commeth from the Lord.
Many are seeking the face of a ruler, And from Jehovah [is] the judgment of each.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from the LORD.
Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of every one cometh forth from the Lord.
Many people request rulers to do things to help them, but Yahweh is the only one who surely does for people what is fair/just.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 29:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַ֭בִּים
מְבַקְשִׁ֣ים
פְּנֵי
מוֹשֵׁ֑ל
וּ֝/מֵ/יְהוָ֗ה
מִשְׁפַּט
אִֽישׁ
רַ֭בִּים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
מְבַקְשִׁ֣ים
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
מוֹשֵׁ֑ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal
וּ֝/מֵ/יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | Prep | N-proper
מִשְׁפַּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:26
רַ֭בִּים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מְבַקְשִׁ֣ים
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מוֹשֵׁ֑ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
וּ֝/מֵ/יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִשְׁפַּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:26
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
24A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath but does not testify.
25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:6 | Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:21 | Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. |
| 3 | Psalms 20:9 | O LORD, save the king. Answer us on the day we call. |
| 4 | Isaiah 46:9–11 | Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. |
| 5 | Psalms 62:12 | and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds. |
| 6 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 7 | Nehemiah 1:11 | O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.) |
| 8 | Isaiah 49:4 | But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 4:4 | My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. |
| 10 | Proverbs 16:7 | When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. |
Proverbs 29:26 Summary
This verse reminds us that many people try to get on the good side of those in power, but true justice comes from the LORD. It's easy to get caught up in trying to please people, but our ultimate hope should be in God, who is the ultimate Judge and the only one who can provide true justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:17. By trusting in the LORD, we can have peace and security, knowing that He will ultimately bring about what is right and fair, as promised in Psalm 37:3-7. This means we can focus on living a life that honors Him, rather than trying to please people, and trust that He will take care of the rest, as encouraged in Romans 12:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to seek the ruler's favor?
Seeking the ruler's favor means trying to gain approval, influence, or benefit from those in positions of power, as seen in Proverbs 29:26, but true justice comes from the LORD, as also emphasized in Deuteronomy 10:17 and Psalm 89:14.
Why is it important to trust in the LORD for justice?
Trusting in the LORD for justice is crucial because He is the ultimate Judge and the only one who can provide true justice, as stated in Proverbs 29:26, and this trust is also encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Romans 12:19.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that our ultimate hope for justice and fairness should be in the LORD, not in human rulers or systems, as also taught in Psalm 118:8-9 and Jeremiah 17:5-8.
What does it mean to receive justice from the LORD?
Receiving justice from the LORD means that He will ultimately bring about what is right and fair, as promised in Proverbs 29:26, and this is also seen in His character as described in Exodus 34:6-7 and Isaiah 30:18.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I seek the favor of those in power, and how can I shift my focus to trusting in the LORD for justice?
- How does my trust in the LORD for justice impact my relationships with others, especially those in positions of authority?
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking justice or fairness, and how can I surrender these to the LORD?
- How can I balance the need to seek justice in earthly systems with my trust in the LORD's ultimate justice, as taught in Proverbs 29:26 and supported by Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:26
Many seek the ruler's favour,.... Or "face" (e); are very desirous of being admitted into his presence, and of having his company and conversation; of having an opportunity to ask a favour of him,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:26
Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. Many seek the ruler's favour (literally, face; namely, that he may give sentence in their favour): But (every) man's judgment (cometh) from the Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
Seek the ruler’ s favour: men study to please and engage their rulers by their obliging carriage, and humble petitions, and all other means, supposing that to be the only way to procure either right or favour from them, as they need or desire it. Every man’ s judgment, the decision of his cause, and the success of all his endeavours, cometh from the Lord; dependeth wholly upon God, who ruleth and inclineth their minds and hearts as it pleaseth him, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
Proverbs 29:26 Many seek the ruler’ s favour; but [every] man’ s judgment [cometh] from the LORD. Ver. 26. Many seek the ruler’ s favour.] More than the love of God; and so cast themselves into a second "snare," besides that [of] Proverbs 29:25. But as he that truly trusts in God will easily expel the fear of man: so he that looks upon God as Judge of all, from whose sentence there is no appeal, will rather seek his face than the favour of any earthly judge whatsoever. Especially since, whether the judge clear him or cast him, the judgment he passeth is from the Lord.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
(26) Many seek the ruler’s favour.—And to be advanced by him; but his approval is of little value, for “every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord;” it is He who really decides each man’s worth. (Comp. 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
Verse 26. Many seek the ruler's favour] To be screened from the punishment determined by the law; but should he grant the favour sought, and pardon the criminal, this takes not away his guilt in the sight of God, from whom all just judgment proceeds.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:26
To trust in the favor of princes is to build upon the sands. The judgment which will set right all wrong will come from the Lord. It is better to wait for that than to run here and there, canvassing, bribing, flattering.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:26
26. The ruler’s favour — Literally, the face of the ruler. Judgment —His sentence, the decision or determination of his cause.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From the Banishment of Archelaus to the Departure of the Jews From Babylon by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous life of King Agrippa, detailing his financial troubles, debts, and his escape from Rome to Judea. Agrippa's friendship with Tiberius Caesar |
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"His Plan for Me" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on the poem 'His Plan for Me' and delves into the concept of surrendering to God's will. It explores the idea of standing before Christ at the judgment seat an |
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K-490 False Prophets of the Last Days by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal experience of witnessing a demonstration of power without the presence of the living God. He describes a situation where |
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The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God's purpose to find meaning in life. It shares a powerful story of a woman who discovered the true meaning of life through unders |
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The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 7 by Stephen Kaung | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God's ways, counsel, and work in order to align ourselves with His righteous and merciful nature. It highlights how Moses understoo |
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Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 3 by Paris Reidhead | This sermon delves into the contrast between liberalism, fundamentalism, and humanism in Christianity, highlighting the shift towards a focus on human happiness rather than true re |
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Seven Reasons Why You Should Go - Part 4 by George Verwer | This sermon emphasizes the joy and fulfillment found in missionary work, debunking the idea of it being a form of purgatory for past mistakes. It encourages listeners to embrace th |