Proverbs 29

Chap. XXIX. Ver. 1—27. Observations on government, and on certain virtues and vices.—Solomon often inculcates the importance of wisdom, integrity, and justice, in magistrates and rulers. The national happiness depends upon it, and the people rejoice when such men are elevated to distinction; whereas, “when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.” This is particularly the case as to the poor: for “the righteous considereth their cause,” while “the wicked regard not to know it.” Their object is, not to investigate the merits of the case before them, but to secure the presents, or bribes, by which judges are too generally influenced in arbitrary countries, where their will is the only law. “Scornful men, haughty and angry in their temper, inflame a whole city, whereas wise men seek to preserve peace and avert wrath.

But in contending in judgment with the perverse and obstinate, even a wise man stands little chance of success; for whether the former be in a vein of passion or of ridicule, he will not be pacified; and however the latter may have the advantage in argument, the fool will often carry his point by dint of violence and noise: it is useless to reason with a fool in power. When, however, the poor man and the oppressor shall meet together before their Maker, ((Proverbs 21:2).) then the Lord will ‘enlighten both their eyes;’ and they will see that there is ‘a God that judgeth righteously,’ and will reward them both according to their works.” With one important verse which we have passed over, (ver. 18.) we shall conclude our observations on this chapter: “Where there is no (prophetic) vision,”

no divine revelation, there the people become corrupt, and “perish.” This we remark, not merely to recollect our own obligations to the word of God, but also to excite our zeal in communicating that word to others. Always, however, let us recollect, and press on others, this important maxim, that no religion is useful that is not practical: “‘He that keepeth the law, happy is he!” “If ye know these things, (said our Lord to his disciples,) happy are ye if ye do them!” ((John 13:17).)

Notes on the verses

Chap. XXIX. Ver. 2. In authority.—The Hebrew may refer to their increase either in number or in power. Ver. 4. He that receiveth gifts.—See margin. When causes were heard by the principal priests, it is probable they were sometimes bribed by the oblations offered at the tabernacle; and this term continued to be applied to bribes of the secular judges. Ver. 8. Bring a city into a snare.—See margin. Bishop Lowth, “Inflame a city;” i.e. the inhabitants, which appears to be the true sense. Ver. 13. The deceitful—See margin; i.e. the covetous lender, who is always an oppressor. Ver. 18. The people perish.—See margin; i.e. are stripped of all religion and good morals, as we see the heathen are. Ver. 19. A servant.—That is, a wicked servant; a Canaanitish slave, proa[bably]. Ver. 20.

In his words.—See margin; the Hebrew comprehends both words and things; a man always in a hurry, speaks and acts before he thinks, i.e. are stripped of all religion. They “apostatize;” so Park[hurst]. Ver. 21. Become his son.—That is, act with authority. Ver. 24. He heareth cursing.—These banditti were bound together by oaths and imprecations.