A fool uttereth all his mind - A man should be careful to keep his own secret, and never tell his whole mind upon any subject, while there are other opinions yet to be delivered; else, if he speak again, he must go over his old ground; and as he brings out nothing new, he injures his former argument. read more
If a ruler hearken to lies - Wherever the system of espionage is permitted to prevail, there the system of falsity is established; for he who is capable of being a spy and informer, is not only capable of telling and swearing lies, but also of cutting his king's or even his father's throat. I have seen cases, where the same spy received pay from both parties, and deceived both. read more
The poor and the deceitful man - It is difficult to fix the meaning of תככים techachim , which we here render the deceitful man. The Targum has, "The poor and the man of Little Wealth." The Septuagint, "The usurer and the Debtor." The Vulgate, "The poor and Creditor." Coverdale, "The poor and the Lender." Others, "The poor and the Rich;" "The poor and the Oppressors." I suppose the meaning may be the same as in Proverbs 22:2 ; (note): "The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is... read more
When the wicked are multiplied - That, in the multiplication of the wicked transgression is increased, requires no proof; but an important doctrine attaches to this. On this account wicked nations and wicked families are cut off and rooted out. Were it not so righteousness would in process of time be banished from the earth. This will account for many of the numerous instances in which whole families fail. read more
Where there is no vision - My old MS. Bible, following the Vulgate, translates: Whan prophecye schal failen, the peple schal ben to scatered. Where Divine revelation, and the faithful preaching of the sacred testimonies, are neither reverenced nor attended, the ruin of that land is at no great distance. But he that keepeth the law, happy is he - Go how it may with others, he shall be safe. So our Lord: "Blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it." read more
He that delicately bringeth up his servant - Such persons are generally forgetful of their obligations, assume the rights and privileges of children, and are seldom good for any thing. read more
An angry man stirreth up strife - His spirit begets its like wherever he goes. And a furious man aboundeth in transgression - His furious spirit is always carrying him into extremes, and each of these is a transgression. read more
A man's pride shall bring him low - A proud man is universally despised, and such are often exposed to great mortifications. read more
Hateth his own soul - נפשו naphsho , his life, as the outraged law may at any time seize on and put him to death. He heareth cursing - אלה alah , the execration or adjuration, (for all culprits were charged, as before God, to tell the truth), יגד ולא velo yagpid , but He will not tell It. He has no fear of God, nor reverence for an oath, because his heart is hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 29:9
Whether he rage or laugh - Coverdale translates, "Yf a wyse man go to lawe with a foole, whether he deale with him frendly or roughly he geteth no rest." read more