Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29:4

HEE that receiveth] Namely a Prince that grieveth his subjects with taxes and imposts.

Proverbs 29:5

Spreadeth] Is a secret occasion of his ruine, flattering him up in his vices if he be subject to any. Or by filling him with damnable pride, and selfe conceit, or preparing some way, to draw him into his trap by this baite.

Proverbs 29:6

There is a snare] Sinne insnareth the Conscience with Gods judgments, and keepes it as it were prisoner in perpetuall terrour and sorrow, or is the cause of its perdition, Proverbs 11:5.

Proverbs 29:8

Scorntfull men] Prophane contemners of God, doe draw his judgements upon a whole Citie and Communaltie.

Proverbs 29:9

Contendeth] Whether he contend about his owne private affaires, or whether he argue about some point of ut and right Whither he rage] The Italian, Sometime hee rageth] Seeing his presumption and obstinacy Or laugh] The Italian Sometime be laugheth] At his impertinencies and follies There is no rest] The Italian, He hath no rest] That is to say, talking with a foole he cannot keepe that tranquillity of minde, and moderation of words, as be〈…〉 a wise man: being driven by impatience.

Proverbs 29:12

All his servants] The meaning may be this, When the Prince hearkeneth to calumnies, or false accusations, there is none of his servants, let him be never so faithfull, but is in danger of being held, and questioned, as guiltie. Or this. A Prince whith leveth flatteries, and is inclined to hearken to calumnies causeth his servants to turne flatterers false accusers, &c.

Proverbs 29:13

The 〈…〉full man] The Italian The Usurer] The rich man, who by meanes of his us〈…〉y keereth the poore man in subjection Lightneth] That gives and maintaines the life of both: riches helping the rich man nothing therein, Luke 12:15. nor poverty any way hindering the pocre man.

Proverbs 29:16

Are multiplyed] The Italian Are increased] In power and dignitie.

Proverbs 29:18

Where] The Italian when] The publike preaching of Gods word, by the Prophets or others, being wanting, the Church is dissolved, and dispersed like unto a flocke without a Shepheard; or like unto a wall without morter. See 1 Samuel 3:1. Amos 8:11-12 Happie is lee] The meaning is. True it is that the want of preaching the word, is the perdition of the Church. Yet it followeth not that all the perfection and happinesse of it consists only in the preaching: but in the practice and observation of the same preached truth also.

Proverbs 29:19

A servant] Namely a perverse and rebellious servant By words] But with stripes and punishments Though he understand] A signe and proofe of the maliciousnesse of a servant.

Proverbs 29:20

In his words] Or in his businesses.

Proverbs 29:21

Shall have him become] Hee will no more know his owne condition, but will carry himselfe, as if he were a sonne.

Proverbs 29:24

Is partner] That is his fellow receiver, or hath share of the thing stollen. See Proverbs 1:14 Hateh his] Is an enemy to his owne salvation Cursing] Namely the Oath given him by the Magistrates, whether hee knoweth any thing of the thest which was committed, Exod. 22 8. Leviticus 6:4.

Proverbs 29:25

The feare] Great feare troubleth the mind of man, so that hee cannot take any good or wise counsell, or doe any thing freely. Or it is a snare and a stumbling blocke to him; that is to say an occasion to make him take rash and ruining resolutions.

Proverbs 29:26

Many] Many in time of trouble, goe to the Prince with petitions. But it were fitter for them to have recourle to God first, who inspireth, and inclineth the hearts of Princes for to doe justice. See Psal. 20. 9