Proverbs 20:28-29

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

Here we have, 1. The virtues of a good king. Those are mercy and truth, especially mercy, for that is mentioned twice here. He must be strictly faithful to his word, must be sincere, and abhor all dissimulation, must religiously discharge all the trusts reposed in him, must support and countenance truth. He must likewise rule with clemency, and by all acts of compassion gain the affections of his people. Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne, and kings are called gods. 2. The... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 20:29

This shows that both young and old have their advantages, and therefore must each of them be, according to their capacities, serviceable to the public, and neither of them despise nor envy the other. 1. Let not old people despise the young, for they are strong and fit for action, able to go through business and break through difficulties, which the aged and weak cannot grapple with. The glory of young men is their strength, provided they use it well (in the service of God and their country,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king ,.... Which are two good qualifications in a prince; not ruling his subjects with rigour and cruelty, but with tenderness and clemency; easing them as much as he can of burdens and pressures; showing compassion to the distressed, and pardoning delinquents when the case will admit of it; as also being faithful to his word, promises, and engagements; inviolably adhering to the laws and constitution of the nation, and steady in his administrations of justice;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:29

The glory of young men is their strength ,.... That is the excellent thing in them, and it is to their honour when it is employed in the service of their king and country, and especially in the service of God and religion; though it does not become them to glory in it, Jeremiah 9:23 ; and the beauty of old men is the gray head ; an index of wisdom and prudence; see Job 12:12 . The design of the proverb is to show that both have their excellencies and usefulness, young men and old... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king - These are the brightest jewels in the royal crown; and those kings who are most governed by them have the stablest government. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 20:29

The glory of young men is their strength - Scarcely any young man affects to be wise, learned, etc.; but all delight to show their strength and to be reputed strong. Agility, one evidence of strength, their particularly affect; and hence their various trials of strength and fleetness in public exercises. And the beauty of old men is the gray head - They no longer affect strength and agility, but they affect wisdom, experience, prudent counsels, etc., and are fond of being reputed wise,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:24-30

The truth of life in diverse aspects We may divide the matter as follows. I. DIVINE PROVIDENCE . ( Proverbs 20:24 .) It is needful, for human wisdom is shortsighted, and human direction inadequate. It is a gracious fact, and, if acknowledged, brings blessing to the trustful mind and heart. Each man has a life vocation. God appoints it, and will reveal the means for the attainment of it. We cannot enter the kingdom except through the guidance of Christ. II. HUMAN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

Mercy and truth preserve the king. (For "mercy and truth," see note on Proverbs 3:3 .) The love and faithfulness which the king displays in dealing with his subjects elicits the like virtues in them, and these are the safeguard of his throne. His throne is upholden by mercy; or, love. So the king is well called the father of his people, and in modern times the epithet "gracious" is applied to the sovereign as being the fountain of mercy and condescension. Sallust, 'Jugurtha,' 10, " ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:28

(See homily on Proverbs 16:12 .)—C. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:29

The glory of young men is their strength. That which makes the ornament ( tiphereth ) of youth is unimpaired strength and vigour, which can only be attained by due exercise combined with self-control. The moralist ( Ecclesiastes 11:9 ) bids the young man rejoice in his youth, and let his heart cheer him in those happy days, but at the same time remember that he is responsible for the use which he makes of his powers and faculties, for for all these things God will bring him to... read more

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