Proverbs 29

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:14

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor (comp. Proverbs 16:12 ; Proverbs 20:28 ; Proverbs 25:5 ). Inflexible fidelity to duty is intended—that perfect impartiality, which dispenses justice alike to rich and poor, uninfluenced By personal or social considerations. His throne shall be established forever. Being founded on righteousness, it shall pass on to his descendants for many generations (comp. Jeremiah 22:3 , etc.). The LXX ; pointing differently, have, "His throne shall be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:15

The rod and reproof give wisdom to the young. The former denotes bodily correction, what we call corporal punishment; the latter, discipline in words, rebuke administered when any moral fault is noticed. The idea here enunciated is very common in this book (see Proverbs 10:1 , Proverbs 10:13 ; Proverbs 13:24 ; Proverbs 23:13 ). But a child loft to himself bringeth his mother to shame. The verb translated "left" ( שָׁלַח , shalach ) is used in Job 39:5 of the wild ass left... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:15-17

(See homily on Proverbs 13:24 .)—C. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:16

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth. The verb rabah is used in both parts of the sentence, and should have been so translated, When the wicked increase , transgression increaseth . Septuagint, "When the godless are many, sins become many." Where the wicked get the upper hand in a community, their evil example is copied, and a lowering of moral tone and a general laxity in conduct prevail (see on Proverbs 29:12 : comp. also Proverbs 29:2 ; Proverbs 28:12 , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:17

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest ( Proverbs 19:18 ); Septuagint, ἀναπαύσει σε . He will be no longer a source of care and disquiet to you. Delight ( maadanim ); properly, dainty dishes , and then any great and special pleasure (comp. Ec Proverbs 30:1-12 ). Septuagint, "He shall give ornament ( κόσμον ) to thy soul." This verse and the following are presented by the Greek version in a mutilated form after Proverbs 28:17 (where see note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people perish; rather, cast off restraint , become ungovernable, cannot be reined in ( Exodus 32:22 , Exodus 32:25 ). "Vision" ( chazon ), prophecy in its widest sense, denotes the revelation of God's will made through agents, which directed the course of events, and was intended to be coordinate with the supreme secular authority. The prophets were the instructors of the people in Divine things, standing witnesses of the truth and power of religion,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:18

No vision? The revelation of ancient prophecy was not continuous and uninterrupted, but it came in flashes, between which there were intervals of darkness. Sometimes those intervals were long and most distressing to a people that had learnt to draw its chief lessons from Divine oracles. Such a time was experienced in the days of Eli, for "the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no open vision" ( 1 Samuel 3:1 ); and another and longer period was that of the "four centuries... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:18

Spiritual ignorance and obedience . (See also homily on Proverbs 19:2 .) Two things are clear: 1 . That God has provided us with many sources of knowledge. We have, for materials to work with , a very complex and richly endowed nature; and we have, for materials to work upon , 2 . That these sources of wisdom, which are constant and common to our race, prove to be lamentably insufficient. Man, under the dominion and depression of sin, cannot read aright the lessons which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:18-23

Fatal defects in the social state I. THE WANT OF COMMANDING RELIGIOUS TEACHING . The great prophets of Israel were the great instructors of the people. They declared Jehovah's living oracles; they made clear the eternal principles of the moral law; they forecast what must be the future under moral conditions. The Christian preacher has succeeded to the office of the Jewish prophet. Woe to the nation if the supply of preachers ceases! if, sunk in material interests, they are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:19

A servant will not be corrected by words. Mere words will not suffice to teach a slave, any more than a child, true, practical wisdom. He needs severer measures, even the correction of personal discipline. Septuagint, "By words a stubborn ( σκληρὸς ) slave will not be instructed." The next clause gives an explanation of this necessity. For though he understand he will not answer. The answer is not merely the verbal response to a command, as, "I go, sir;" but it implies obedience in... read more

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