Proverbs 29

Ver. 2, 4. Where justice is impartially executed, and liberty and property secured, the nation grows great and happy; but bribery and oppressive taxes ruin a state

Proverbs 29:5

Flatterers artfully draw men into wickedness and ruin

Proverbs 29:6

In the wicked course of sinners, one sin draws on another and its attendant plagues: but the godly, by walking in Christ, obtain solid and lasting joy and comfort.—8. Obstinate sinners and scornful men, by laughing at all things serious, sacred, or civil, throw nations and cities into the most 3 ruinous disorder: but pious and prudent rulers, by their prayers and piety, avert the deserved vengeance of God, and, by their wise conduct, divert the fury of men

Proverbs 29:9

It is to no purpose to spend reasonings or reproofs upon incorrigible fools; for, in whatever manner they appear to take them, they will still persist in their folly and wickedness

Proverbs 29:10

Blood-thirsty men direct their murderous malice especially against godly magistrates, or other valuable persons: but such as are truly virtuous labour to defend and promote the welfare of such

Proverbs 29:11

Fools inconsiderately speak out whatever comes into their head; but wise men think well before they speak, and only utter what they know, and as the opportunity requires

Proverbs 29:12

If a ruler hearken to lies, flatteries, or false accusations, his whole court will quickly become so wicked, that it will be hard to find an honest man in office

Proverbs 29:13

Poor men who want estates, and rich men who get or increase their estates by fraud, are connected together in this world and the Lord, without distinction, allows to both his light of nature, or revelation, and blessings of providence, as is good in his sight

Proverbs 29:14

Kings, who faithfully administer justice to their subjects, and set themselves to protect and help the poor, take the most proper course to gain their subjects’ affection, and to continue their kingdom to many generations

Proverbs 29:15

Careful instructions and reproofs, and prudent corrections, are of great use to render children wise, prudent, and pious: but children left to follow their own inclinations, prove a disgrace and plague to parents, particularly to their indulgent mothers

Proverbs 29:16

When wicked men are increased in number, and advanced in dignity, presumptuous wickedness abounds more and more: but the righteous ought not to be discouraged, as they shall quickly see their downfall

Proverbs 29:17

Children, carefully brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, bid fair to be an help and comfort to their parents

Proverbs 29:18

Where men want the oracles of God, and ordinances of the gospel, they cannot but live wickedly on earth, and be miserable in eternity: but great is the present and future happiness of such as, renewed by his grace, strictly observe his laws

Proverbs 29:19

No persuasions, reproofs, or threatenings, will avail with some refractory and slavish-minded servants; nothing but blows will make them regard what is said, or attend to their duty

Proverbs 29:20

It is more easy to instruct and reform the most weak and ignorant, than to rectify what is amiss in a rash, heady, and self-conceited, manager of his affairs

Proverbs 29:21

If servants, who continue long in a family, be too much indulged or favoured, they are apt to behave with as much boldness and freedom as if they were children: or even to domineer over them, and labour to disinherit them

Proverbs 29:22

Passionate persons are apt to quarrel and contend about trifles, and to fall into a multitude of sins, in word and deed, both against God and men

Proverbs 29:23

Proud, saucy, and ambitious, behaviour, renders men contemned, hated, and miserable: but meekness and humility procure useful and lasting honours

Proverbs 29:24

Partnership with thieves or fraudulent persons endangers both soul and body, and is apt to involve men in perjury

Proverbs 29:25

An immoderate fear of men ensnares us into much guilt and mischief: but be that puts his whole confidence in God shall be preserved from them

Proverbs 29:26

Multitudes court the favour of princes and other great men; but it is God alone who determines the lots of men here and hereafter

Proverbs 29:27

There is a stated antipathy between the righteous and wicked; their natures, tempers, counsels, and ends, being the very reverse of each other