Those who never regard the Word of God are an easy prey to the enemy of souls. A confidence in God and His Word enables one to look with gracious contempt upon the most formidable design of the devil, and will keep one in the way of duty, and above the fear of man. We must not despise correction. The prudent king. The flatterer. The just judge. Contend not with a fool. The prince who opens his ears to reports. The poor and the deceitful. The pious king. The insolent servant. The humiliation of the proud. Of the partner of a thief. The fear of man. The Lord the righteous Judge. 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Verse 1. Hardeneth his neck — Becomes stubborn and obstinate. Vs. 1: If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ. 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn. vs. 2: The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked. 29:3 Whoso loves wisdom rejoices his father: but he that keeps company with harlots spends his substance. Verse 3. But he that keepeth company—h[r roeh, he that feedeth harlots, dbay yeabed, shall utterly destroy his substance. Has there ever been a single case to the contrary? vs. 3: Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts. 29:4 The king by judgment establishes the land: but he that receives gifts overthrows it. Verse 4. He that receiveth gifts — This was notoriously the case in this kingdom, before the passing of the Magna Charta, or great charter of liberties. Hence that article in it, Nulli vendemus justitiam; “We will not sell justice to any.” I have met with cases in our ancient records where, in order to get his right, a man was obliged almost to ruin himself in presents to the king, queen, and their favourites, to get the case decided in his favor. vs. 4: The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people. 29:5 A man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. vs. 5: Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. Verse 5. Spreadeth a net for his feet. — Beware of a flatterer; he does not flatter merely to please you, but to deceive you and profit himself. 29:6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. vs. 6: Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety. 29:7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor: but the wicked regards not to know it. vs. 7: This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked. 29:7 Vulgate Likewise, touching that which is written, “A son which receiveth the word shall be far from destruction: but receiving, he receiveth it for himself, and no falsehood proceedeth out of his mouth:” some one may say, that what is here set down, “A son which receiveth the word,” is to be taken for no other than the word of God, which is truth. Therefore, “A son receiving the truth shall be far from destruction,” refers to that which is written, “Thou wilt destroy all that speak leasing.” But when it follows, “Receiving he receiveth for himself,” what other doth this insinuate than what the Apostle saith, “But let every man prove his own work, and then he shah have glorying in himself and not in another?” (Gal. 6:4) For he that receiveth the word, that is, truth, not for himself, but for menpleasing, keepeth it not when he sees they can be pleased by a lie. But whoso receiveth it for himself, no falsehood proceedeth out of his mouth: because even when the way to please men is to lie, that man lieth not, who receiving the truth not thereby to please them but to please God, hath received it for himself. St. Augustine: O n Lying, 37. 29:7 Vulgate These sons of Jerusalem on high, and of the holy city eternal, if ever, as they be men, a lie of what kind soever doth worm itself into them, they ask humbly for pardon, not therefrom seek moreover glory. St. Augustine: To Consentius: Against Lying, 33. 29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. https://coptic-treasures.com/ Proverbs 29 2 vs. 8: The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. 29:9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. vs. 9: If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done. Verse 9. Whether he rage or laugh — Coverdale translates, “Yf a wyse man go to lawe with a foole, whether he deale with him frendly or roughly he geteth no rest.” 29:9 In saying, “He will not be corrected by words,” he did not order him to be left to himself, but implied an admonition as to the means whereby he ought to be corrected; otherwise he would not have said, “He will not be corrected by words,” but without any qualification,” He will not be corrected.” For in another place he says that not only the servant, but also the undisdained son, must be corrected with stripes, and that with great fruits as the result; for he says, “Thou shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell; “ and elsewhere he says, “He that spareth the rod hateth his son.” Correction of the Donatists, 6:21. 29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. vs. 10: Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation. 29:11 A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards. vs. 11: He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. Verse 11. A fool uttereth all his mindl A man should be careful to keep his own secret, and never tell his whole mind upon any subject, while there are other opinions yet to be delivered; else, if he speak again, he must go over his old ground; and as he brings out nothing new, he injures his former argument. 1834 29:11 Therefore the Lord pointed out patience as the guardian of our state, in that He taught us to possess ourselves in it. Thus we learn how great is the sin of impatience, through which we lose the very possession of what we are. Let the impatient hear what is said again through Solomon; A fool uttereth all his mind, but a wise man putteth it off, and reserves it until afterwards (Proverbs 29:11). For one is so driven by the impulse of impatience as to utter forth the whole mind, which the perturbation within throws out the more quickly for this reason, that no discipline of wisdom fences it round. But the wise man puts it off, and reserves it till afterwards. For, when injured, he desires not to avenge himself at the present time, because in his tolerance he even wishes that men should be spared; but yet he is not ignorant that all things are righteously avenged at the last judgment. Fr. Gregory (the Great), Pastoral Rule, 9 29:11 WE ought then to restrain every movement of anger and moderate it under the direction of discretion, that we may not by blind rage be hurried into that which is condemned by Solomon: “The wicked man expends all his anger, but the wise man dispenses it bit by bit,” i.e., a fool is inflamed by the passion of his anger to avenge himself; but a wise man, by the ripeness of his counsel and moderation little by little diminishes it, and gets rid of it. St. John Cassian: Conference 16:27. 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. vs. 12: One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. Verse 12. If a ruler hearken to lies — Wherever the system of espionage is permitted to prevail, there the system of falsity is established; for he who is capable of being a spy and informer, is not only capable of telling and swearing lies, but also of cutting his king’s or even his father’s throat. I have seen cases, where the same spy received pay from both parties, and deceived both. 29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lightens both their eyes. vs. 13: Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. Verse 13. The poor and the deceitful man — It is difficult to fix the meaning of μykkt techachim, which we here render the deceitful man. https://coptic-treasures.com/ Proverbs 29 3 The TARGUM has, “The poor and the man of LITTLE WEALTH.” The SEPTUAGINT, “The usurer and the DEBTOR.” The VULGATE, “The poor and CREDITOR.” COVERDALE, “The poor and the LENDER.” OTHERS, “The poor and the RICH;” “The poor and the OPPRESSORS.” I suppose the meaning may be the same as in chap. 22:2: “The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.” Where see the note. Verse 16. When the wicked are multiplied — That, in the multiplication of the wicked transgression is increased, requires no proof; but an important doctrine attaches to this. On this account wicked nations and wicked families are cut off and rooted out. Were it not so righteousness would in process of time be banished from the earth. This will account for many of the numerous instances in which whole families fail. 29:14 The king that faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. vs. 14: The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame. vs. 15: Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. 29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases: but the righteous shall see their fall. vs. 16: Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. 29:16 LXX When the impious fall the righteous tremble. He should be grieved over as a limb cut from the body. St. Basil the Great: Letter 22:3. 29:17 Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yea, he shall give delight unto your soul. vs. 17: Children must not be suffered to go wiyout rebuke when they do amiss. 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. Verse 18. Where there is no vision — My old MS. Bible, following the Vulgate, translates: “Whan prophecye schal failen, the peple schal ben to scatered”. Where Divine revelation, and the faithful preaching of the sacred testimonies, are neither reverenced nor attended, the ruin of that land is at no great distance. But he that keepeth the law, happy is he. — Go how it may with others, he shall be safe. So our Lord: “Blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.” vs. 18: How bare does a place look wiyout Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Savior, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. 29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for yough he understand he will not answer. vs. 19: Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. 29:20 Seest you a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. vs. 20: When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. 29:21 He that delicately brings up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. Verse 21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant — Such persons are generally forgetful of their obligations, assume the rights and privileges of children, and are seldom good for any thing. vs. 21: Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humor it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place. 29:22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression. Verse 22. An angry man stirreth up strife— His spirit begets its like wherever he goes. 1835 And a furious man aboundeth in transgression. — His furious spirit is always carrying him into extremes, and each of these is a transgression. vs. 22: An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God. 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. vs. 23: Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. 29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hates his own soul: he hears cursing, and bewrays it not. Verse 23. A man’s pride shall bring him low— A proud man is universally despised, and such are often exposed to great mortifications. https://coptic-treasures.com/ Proverbs 29 4 Verse 24. Hateth his own soul — w چpn naphsho, his life, as the outraged law may at any time seize on and put him to death. He heareth cursing—hla alah, the execration or adjuration, (for all culprits were charged, as before God, to tell the truth,) dgy alw velo yagpid, but HE will not tell IT. He has no fear of God, nor reverence for an oath, because his heart is hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. vs. 24: The receiver is as bad as the thief. 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare: but whoso putts his trust in the LORD shall be safe. vs. 25: Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare. Verse 25. The fear of man bringeth a snare — How often has this led weak men, yough sincere in their general character, to deny their God, and abjure his people! See the case of Peter; and learn from this, O reader, that where the mighty have been slain, you wilt fall, unless you call on the Strong for strength, and for courage to use it. Be not ashamed of JESUS nor of his people, nor of his cross. Glory in this, that you knowest him, art joined to them, and art counted worthy to bear it. 29:26 Many seek the ruler’s favor; but every man’s judgment comes from the LORD. vs. 26: The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favor of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be. Verse 26. Many seek the ruler’s favor — To be screened from the punishment determined by the law; but should he grant the favor sought, and pardon the criminal, this takes not away his guilt in the sight of God, from whom all just judgment proceeds. 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. Verse 27. And he that is upright in the way— “But as for those that be in the right waye, the wicked hate them.”— COVERDALE. To this verse the VULGATE adds the following: Verbum custodiens filius extra perditionem erit; “The son that keeps the word shall not fall into perdition.” This is not in all copies of the Vulgate: but it was in that from which my old MS. Bible was made, where it is thus translated: “The sone keping the worde schal ben out of perdicyon”. I believe verbum here is intended for the Divine word; the revelation from God. vs. 27: The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.
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