Proverbs Twenty Nine
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
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 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
Proverbs 29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
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.
rod and reproof. See note on Proverbs 22:15.
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.
more hope of a fool. Compare Proverbs 26:12.
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.
bewrayeth. That is, “betrays.”
Proverbs 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.