Proverbs 29:20. Seest thou a man hasty in his words Or rather, in his business; who is rash and heady in the management of his affairs? There is more hope of a fool Who is sensible of his folly, and willing to hearken to the advice of others, than of him Because he is self-confident, and neither considers things seriously within himself, nor seeks counsel from the wise. read more
Proverbs 29:21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant, &c. Allowing him too much freedom and familiarity; shall have him become his son Will find him, at last, grow insolent, and forgetful of his servile condition. read more
Proverbs 29:23 . A man’s pride shall bring him low Because both God and men conspire against him; but honour shall uphold the humble Or, as others render it, without any difference in the sense, the humble in spirit shall hold their honour, shall be honoured by God and men. Thus honour, like a shadow, flees from them that pursue it, and follows them who flee from it. read more
Proverbs 29:24. Whoso is partner with a thief By receiving a share of stolen goods, upon condition of his concealing the theft; hateth his own soul Acts as if he hated it; for he wounds and destroys it; he heareth cursing He heareth the voice of swearing, as is said Leviticus 5:1; namely, the oath given to him by a judge, adjuring him, and other suspected persons, to give information concerning it; and bewrayeth it not Which he was bound to do for the public good. The Vulgate reads,... read more
Proverbs 29:25. The fear of man Inordinate fear of harm or suffering from men, which is properly opposed to trust in God, because it arises from a distrust of God’s promises and providence; bringeth a snare Is an occasion of many sins, and consequently of punishments from God: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord Walks in God’s ways, and securely relies upon him, to protect him from the designs and malice of wicked men; shall be safe Shall be preserved from all real evil, through... read more
Proverbs 29:26. Many seek the ruler’s favour Men study to please their rulers, and to ensure their favour, by their obliging behaviour, humble petitions, and various other means, supposing that to be the only way to procure either right or preferment; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord The decision of his cause, and the success of all his endeavours, depend wholly upon God, who rules and inclines the minds and hearts of princes and governors, as well as of other men, as it... read more
Authority with justice (29:1-27)Many themes that we have already met in Proverbs are repeated in this section: stubbornness, good and bad government, family values, prostitution, justice, flattery, cunning and concern for the poor (29:1-7). Scoffers are more than just fools; they are trouble-makers. They are not open to reason and cannot control their temper (8-11).Unjust rulers oppress innocent citizens, and the rich persecute the poor, but good and bad alike receive the blessings that God... read more
often reproved, &c. Illustrations: Antediluvians (Genesis 6:0 , 1 Peter 3:20 . 2 Peter 2:5 .Luke 17:26 , Luke 17:27 ): Pharaoh (Exodus 7:13 , Exodus 7:14 ; Exodus 8:15 ; Exodus 10:1 , Exodus 10:20 , Exodus 10:27 ). read more
the righteous = righteous ones. in authority = increase, not necessarily in numbers, but in greatness. Compare Proverbs 29:16 , and see note on Proverbs 4:10 , and the next clause. the wicked = a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 . beareth rule. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read the plural here: "bear rule". read more
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Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 29:19
Proverbs 29:19. A servant, &c. “A slave, and he who is of a servile nature, is not to be amended by reason or persuasion: no, nor by reproofs or threats; for though he hear, and understand too, what you say, yet he will not obey, till he be forced into it by punishment of his disobedience.” The LXX. read, οικετης σκληρος , a stubborn, or obstinate servant will not, &c. read more