Proverbs Twenty Nine

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

hardeneth his neck. The classic example is the antediluvian generation that rejected 120 years of preaching by Noah. “My Spirit shall not always strive with man,” God had said (Genesis 6:3), and finally they were suddenly destroyed in the great Flood.

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

Proverbs 29:4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

Proverbs 29:6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

Proverbs 29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

Proverbs 29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

contendeth with a foolish man. There is nothing to be gained by arguing with a foolish man (“wise in his own conceits”—Proverbs 26:12) about spiritual truths. It will lead either to anger or ridicule, and no conclusion is reached.

Proverbs 29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

Proverbs 29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

Proverbs 29:14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

rod and reproof. See note on Proverbs 22:15.

Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

vision. The word “vision” here does not refer to far-sighted imagination, as this verse is commonly applied, but rather to actual divine revelation.

perish. This word, “perish,” means “open” or “exposed.” That is, when people today reject or ignore the revealed Word of God, they are open and helpless to resist the humanistic and occultic doctrines of men and devils.

happy. True happiness, or blessing, is found only through “keeping”—that is, “guarding” God's Word, then obeying and proclaiming it.

Proverbs 29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

Proverbs 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

more hope of a fool. Compare Proverbs 26:12.

Proverbs 29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Proverbs 29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and betrayeth it not.

bewrayeth. That is, “betrays.”

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Proverbs 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

Proverbs 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.