(10) The bloodthirsty hate the upright.—Or, perfect man. “for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness” (2 Corinthians 6:14); the life of the perfect man is a continual reproach to them.But the just (or upright) seek his soul—i.e. care for the life of the perfect; their uprightness shows itself in active help-giving. read more
(11) The fool (khesîl, Proverbs 1:22) uttereth all his mind.—Or, pours out all his wrath; but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards, or keepeth it back. read more
(12) If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.—If a ruler shows that he likes adulation and falsehood rather than unpleasant truths, his attendants will provide him with what he wishes. (Comp. Sir. 10:2.) So Jeremiah complains (Jeremiah 5:31) that prophets, priests, and people were all wilfully deceiving each other. read more
(13) The poor and the deceitful man (rather, oppressor) meet together.—A variation of Proverbs 22:2, on which see note.The Lord lighteneth both their eyes.—Enlightens the eyes of both with the light of life (Psalms 13:4). To Him each owes life, so the one may remember that life with its sorrows will have an end, and the other, that He will take stern vengeance for oppression. read more
(14) His throne shall be established for ever.—Comp. the promise made to Judah (Jeremiah 22:3-4). read more
(15) A child left to himself.—Allowed to wander unchecked as the wild ass (Job 39:5).Bringeth his mother to shame.—Whose foolish indulgence has ruined him. read more
(16) But the righteous shall see their fall with joy (Psalms 54:7), having long expected it (ibid, Psalms 73:18, sqq.). read more
(18) Where there is no vision.—No revelation of God’s will (Isaiah 1:1), when God teaches none by His Spirit that they may instruct others. So it was in the evil days of Eli (1 Samuel 3:1), and Asa (2 Chronicles 15:3).The people perish.—Or, run wild. (Comp. Hosea 4:6.)But he that keepeth the law.—The teaching of those whom God has instructed (Comp. Isaiah 1:10.) read more
(19) A servant will not be corrected with words.—A slave must be corrected by sterner means; it is only fear of punishment which will move him; “for though he understand, he will not answer,” will not reply to your call, or render obedience to your command. The willing obedience of a son, and the grudging obedience of a slave, are contrasted in Romans 8:15. read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 29:9
(9) Whether he rage or laugh—i.e., whether the wise man treat him with sternness or good temper, yet “there is no rest,” the fool will not cease from his folly; or, the sense may be, “the fool rages and laughs;” he will not listen quietly to argument, by which he might be brought to wisdom, but is either violent or supercilious. read more