Many seek the ruler's favor - To be screened from the punishment determined by the law; but should he grant the favor sought, and pardon the criminal, this takes not away his guilt in the sight of God, from whom all just judgment proceeds. read more
And he that is upright in the way - " But as for those that be in the right waye, the wicked hate them." - Coverdale. To this verse the Vulgate adds the following: Verbum custodiens filius extra perditionem erit ; "The son that keeps the word shall not fall into perdition." This is not in all copies of the Vulgate: but it was in that from which my old MS. Bible was made, where it is thus translated: The sone keping the worde schal ben out of perdicyon. I believe verbum here is intended... read more
He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck; literally, a man of reproofs— one who has had a long experience of rebukes and warnings. Compare "a man of sorrows" ( Isaiah 53:3 ). The hardening of the neck is a metaphor derived from obstinate draught animals who will not submit to the yoke ( Deuteronomy 10:16 ; Jeremiah 2:20 ; Jeremiah 27:8 ). Christ calls his yoke easy, and bids his followers to bear it bravely ( Matthew 11:29 . etc.). The reproofs may arise from the Holy... read more
Hardened under reproof I. REPROOF MAY RE REJECTED . It is not violent and compulsory correction. We have free wills, and God does not destroy our wills in order to reform our conduct, for he only delights in voluntary obedience; but he sends warnings and chastises us as his children. This treatment should lead to repentance. Still, it is addressed to our reason, our conscience, our affections. Pharaoh repeatedly rejected Divine reproofs, when he refused to let the Hebrews go after... read more
The doom of obduracy There are four stages which conduct to spiritual ruin. I. HUMAN DISLOYALTY . Man is found (or finds himself) at enmity with God; he does not reverence, love, honour, serve, him. He owes everything to his Maker and Preserver and generous Benefactor; but he has not paid his great debt, and now he is estranged in spirit, and his life is one of disloyalty and rebellion. II. DIVINE SUMMONS TO RETURN . God is saying, "Return unto me, and I will return unto... read more
Private morality and the public weal I. TRUTHS OF PERSONAL CONDUCT . 1 . The obstinate offender and his doom . ( Proverbs 29:1 .) The repeated complaint against Israel was that they were a "stiff-necked people." Self-willed, haughty, persistent, defying rebuke and chastisement, is the habit described. It invites judgment. "When lesser warnings will not serve, God looks into his quiver for deadly arrows." They who will not bend before the gentle persuasions of God's Holy... read more
When the righteous are in authority; rather, as in Proverbs 28:28 , when the righteous are increased ; Vulgate, in multiplicatione justorum . When sinners are put away, and the righteous are in the majority. Septuagint, "when the just are commended." When good men give the tone to society and conduct all affairs according to their own high standard, the peoople rejoice; there is general happiness; prosperity abounds, and voices ring cheerfully ( Proverbs 11:10 ; Proverbs 28:12 ... read more
The religion of politics I. RELIGION IS CONCERNED WITH POLITICS . Too often the two spheres are kept disastrously distinct. On the one hand, it is pretended that the sacred character of religion would be desecrated by its being dragged into the political arena; and on the other hand, the claim of religion to have a voice in public affairs is set down to the ambition and tyranny of priestcraft. Now, it is not to be supposed that purely religious subjects should be obtruded on the... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare - How often has this led weak men, though sincere in their general character, to deny their God, and abjure his people! See the case of Peter; and learn from this, O reader, that where the mighty have been slain, thou wilt fall, unless thou call on the Strong for strength, and for courage to use it. Be not ashamed of Jesus nor of his people, nor of his cross. Glory in this, that thou knowest him, art joined to them, and art counted worthy to bear it. read more