Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
CHAPTER 29
1. hardeneth...neck—obstinately refuses counsel (2Ki 17:14; Neh 9:16).
destroyed—literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."
without remedy—literally, "without healing" or repairing.
2. (Compare Pro 11:10; 28:28).
in authority—(Compare Margin), increased in power.
3. (Compare Pro 4:6-7; 10:1, etc.).
4. by judgment—that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare Pro 28:21), by which good government is perverted.
land—for nation.
5. (Compare Pro 26:28).
spreadeth...feet—By misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.
6. In—or, "By"
the transgression—he is brought into difficulty (Pro 12:13), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.
7. considereth—literally, "knows," as Psa 1:6.
the cause—that is, in courts of justice (compare Pro 29:14). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Pro 28:27) occasions oppression.
8. Scornful men—those who contemptuously disregard God's law.
bring—(Compare Margin), kindle strife.
turn away wrath—that is, "abate wrath."
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.
10. bloodthirsty—(Compare Margin), murderers (Psa 5:6; 26:9).
hate, etc.— (Pro 1:11; Gen 3:4).
seek...soul—that is, to preserve it.
11. (Compare Pro 12:16; 16:32).
mind—or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.
12. His servants imitate him.
13. (Compare Pro 22:2).
deceitful man—literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.
the Lord...their eyes—sustains their lives (1Sa 14:27; Psa 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.
14. (Compare Pro 20:28; 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (Psa 72:4, 12).
15. (Compare Pro 13:24; 23:13).
16. (Compare Pro 29:2, 12; Psa 12:1-8).
shall see...fall—and triumph in it (Psa 37:34-38; 58:10-11).
17. (Compare Pro 29:3, 15; Pro 19:18).
give thee rest—peace and quiet (compare Pro 29:9).
18. no vision—instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (1Sa 3:1).
people perish—(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.
keepeth the law—has, and observes, instruction (Pro 14:11, 34; Psa 19:11).
19. A servant—who lacks good principle.
corrected—or discovered.
will not answer—that is, will not obey.
20. (Compare Pro 21:5).
hasty in...words?—implying self-conceit (Pro 26:12).
21. become his son—assume the place and privileges of one.
22. (Compare Pro 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence.
23. (Compare Pro 16:18; 18:12).
honour...spirit—or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pro 11:16).
24. hateth...soul—(Compare Pro 8:36).
heareth cursing— (Lev 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.
25. The fear...snare—involves men in difficulty (compare Pro 29:6).
shall be safe—(Compare Margin; Pro 18:10).
26. (Compare Margin; Psa 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.
27. (Compare Pro 3:32). On last clause, compare Pro 29:16; Psa 37:12.