(21) Shall have him become his son at the last.—Confidential slaves sometimes rose to be the heirs of their master’s property. (See above on Proverbs 17:2.) But here the warning seems to be rather against spoiling a slave by over-indulgence, lest he at the last forget his position, just as old and petted servants are apt to become somewhat dictatorial. read more
(22) Aboundeth in transgression.—For what will he not say and do when overcome by anger? read more
(23) Honour shall uphold the lowly in spirit.—Rather, the lowly in spirit shall lay hold upon honour. (Comp. Proverbs 18:12.) read more
(24) Hateth his own soul.—See above on Proverbs 1:19.He heareth cursing.—Rather, the oath or adjuration of the judge that anyone cognisant of the theft shall give information with regard to it. He hears and remains silent, and thus becoming the accomplice of the thief, he shares his punishment. read more
(25) The fear of man bringeth a snare.—Even, it may be, the loss of eternal life. (Comp. Matthew 10:28; John 12:25.) read more
(26) Many seek the ruler’s favour.—And to be advanced by him; but his approval is of little value, for “every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord;” it is He who really decides each man’s worth. (Comp. 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5.) read more
The Vision Which Saves Proverbs 29:18 Of all the blessings for which we thank God, none are greater than the light and the powers of sight which we possess. Obvious as are the advantages of the powers of physical sight, they only emphasize a condition which is indispensable in the moral and spiritual sphere. The wise man is thinking of the catastrophes which await those who for any reason are blind to the truth about life and who are 'destroyed for lack of knowledge'. I. History contains many... read more
CHAPTER 30THE NEED OF REVELATION"Where no vision is, a people casts off restraint, but he that keepeth the law is happy."- Proverbs 29:18THE form of the proverb shows that we are not to treat the vision and the law as opposite, but rather as complementary terms. Visions are it is true, especially the mark of the prophets, and the law is often confined in a special sense to the Pentateuch; but there is a much wider usage of the words, according to which the two together express, with tolerable... read more
CHAPTER 29 The Final Instructions These final instructions given in proverbs cover the similar ground as those in the previous chapters. Wisdom shines out in each, and the contents of every proverb shows that the author is not Solomon but He who is perfect in knowledge. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Scripture abounds with examples of cases of hardening the neck and the heart, like Pharaoh, Ahab and others. This proverb... read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 29:20
(20) There is more hope of a fool (khesîl) than of him.—The fool is a dull, self-satisfied person, but may learn better; the man who is hasty and ill-advised in his words has a harder task before him in governing his tongue. (Comp. James 3:2 sqq.) read more