9. contendeth—that is, in law. whether . . . laugh—The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool. read more
D. Instructive Contrasts chs. 28-29Most of the proverbs in this section are couplets, and most of them set forth a truth by means of a contrast. 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
(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
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
29:9 [If] a wise man contendeth with {c} a foolish man, whether he rageth or laugheth, [there is] no rest.(c) He can hear no admonition no matter how it is spoken. read more
This FIFTH SECTION now has similarities to the fourth, but carries us further, for if the fourth stresses mainly the testing of ways and walk. This dwells more upon results, that is the recompenses of a true Divine government. What is sown will also be reaped, and this is to be a most sobering consideration as regards our entire conduct. The first verse vividly declares this principle: "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." ... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 29:9-10
Proverbs 29:9-10. If a wise man contendeth, &c.— A wise man, contending in judgment with a foolish man, whether he is provoked or derided, remains unmoved.—Ver. 10. Deceitful men hold the upright in little esteem; but the just embrace him. Houbigant. Schultens renders the last verse, Bloody men hate the upright, and seek the life of the just. read more