Proverbs 29

1 hardeneth his neck. Like a stubborn and refractory animal.

2. When the righteous are in authority. Rather, as R.V., “are increased,” in numbers, wealth, or power.

4 he that receiveth gifts. Or, “a man of gifts,” i.e., one who exacts bribes. His injustice causes discontent, and his example is pernicious.

7 regardeth not to know [it]. “Does not trouble to know it.” Want of sympathy prevents even his understanding it.

8. Scornful men bring a city into a snare. Rather, “Sooffers kindle a city into a flame”; i.e., excite discords: see R.V.

9. Whether he rage or laugh. Or, as R.V.-marg., “He (the fool) rageth and laugheth, and there is no rest”; so that he cannot be reasoned with. With such a man argument is useless.

10 the just (upright) seek his soul. “The upright seek to preserve his life.”

11 his mind. Heb., “his spirit”: probably meaning anger, as R.V. “But a wise man keepeth it back and stileteth it.”

12 are wicked. They will seek his favour by flatteries, and will follow his example.

13 the deceitful man. Probably, “the oppressor,” as R.V.: cp. xxii. 2. God makes His sun to rise upon both: see Matt. v. 45.

16 shall see. Rather, “shall look upon,” as R.V., implying some degree of satisfaction.

17 delight. Very expressive in the Hebrew, where the word is plural, “delights”; joys in great number and rich variety.

18 the people perish. Or, “become disorderly”: see note on Exod. xxxii. 25. “Vision” means inspired vision or revelation.

19. A servant will not be corrected by words. That is, by words only. “He will not answer,” i.e., will not yield responsive obedience.

20 more hope of a fool. Because the hasty word evinces either a self-confidence which will not brook the suggestions of others, or a superficial habit of mind which forms conclusions without weighing the reasons.

21. Shall have him become his son. i.e., he will presume upon his master’s kindness, and take undue freedoms. Too great indulgence is sure to be abused.

22 aboundeth in transgression. A passionate man will be led to commit almost any crime.

23. But honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Rather, “But the humble in spirit shall obtain honour”: cp. xv. 33; Matt. xxiii. 12: see R.V.

24 cursing. Or, “the curse”; the adjuration pronounced not only against the thief himself, but against those who do not tell what they know of his crime: see Lev. v. 1, and cp. Judges xvii. 2. The accomplice of the thief “hateh his own soul,” i.e., is cruel to himself, aggravating his fault and danger by concealment.

26. But [every] man’s judgement, etc. More literally, “But a man’s judgement,” etc. (R.V.). “God, the Supreme Ruler, allots the destinies of men most justly and equitably; with Him one obtains the desired judgement more certainly than with any human ruler whatsoever: cp. xvi. 33” (Zöckler).

27 an abomination. There is more than disapproval; there is antipathy.