On the surface, this verse sounds as if it is a wise thing to pamper one’s slave. However, the point is that pampering, as opposed to disciplining, makes slaves disrespectful. A slave is not a son. To bring this parable over into modern life, an employee should not normally receive the same privileges as a son. If he does, the relationship essential to the effective operation of the business will suffer. read more
The bad thing about being a thief’s partner, is that when the thief gets caught, and the authorities haul his partner into court, the accomplice finds himself in a "no win" situation. If he defends his partner, he shares his guilt, but if he says nothing (or pleads the fifth amendment), his accusers assume he shares his guilt. Many a businessman has discovered this to his sorrow. read more
Kings and Fathers3. Cp. the prodigal son (Luke 15). 6. His transgression is the snare which catches and ruins him. 9. If a wise man has a lawsuit with a fool the latter will exhibit the most diverse moods, but one thing he will not do, and that is to listen quietly. 10. RM ’But the upright care for his soul.’12. They argue that truth does not pay. 13. To the poor and ’the oppressor’ (RV), to all classes alike, God gives the light of life (Psalms 13:3; Psalms 38:10). 17. ’Better the child weep... read more
XXIX.(1) Hardeneth his neck.—And will not bear the “easy yoke” of God. (Comp. Matthew 11:29-30.)Shall suddenly be destroyed.—Literally, shattered, like a potter’s vessel that cannot be mended (Jeremiah 19:11; Isa. xxx 14).And that without remedy.—For what more can be done for him, if he has despised God’s warnings? (Comp. Hebrews 6:4, sqq.) read more
(3) Whoso loveth wisdom . . .—This verse is illustrated by the parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15:0). read more
(4) By judgment.—Upright decisions.He that receiveth gifts.—To pervert justice (Proverbs 15:27). read more
(6) In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare.—For he knows not how by repentance to escape God’s wrath.But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.—Being assured of God’s mercy to those who repent, lie rejoices because his conscience is clear, and the “peace of God” (Philippians 4:7) keeps his heart. read more
(7) The wicked regardeth not to know it.—Literally, understandeth not knowledge; he does not know nor care to know anything about his poorer neighbour’s affairs, so as to be able to help him. He cares as little about him as did Dives about Lazarus, though he saw him each time he went out of his own door. read more
(8) Scornful men.—See above on Proverbs 1:22.Bring a city into a snare.—Rather, excite the passions of; literally, fan, as a flame.Wise men turn away wrath.—By their gentle counsels. read more
Get a Bible verse delivered to your inbox every day!
Read on Mobile
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 29:18
The AV translation has resulted in misunderstanding of this proverb. The "vision" (Heb. hazon) does not refer to some dream of success a person may have but to a prophetic vision that was a revelation from God (cf. 1 Samuel 3:1). The Hebrew verb translated "perish" (AV; para) does not mean "die in their sins" (e.g., because someone did not see the "vision" of the importance of evangelism). It means "cast off restraint." Without the guidance of divine revelation people abandon themselves to... read more