Proverbs 29:12–15

PROVERBS CHAPTER 29.

Warning against Stubbornness and Rebellion.

DESCRIPTION OF STUBBORNNESS AND DISOBEDIENCE. — V. 12. If a ruler hearken to lies, permitting his judgment to be swayed by lying flattery and exaggerated misrepresentations, all his servants are wicked, for since their master does not heed the truth, they are educated and trained in falsehood.

V. 13. The poor and the deceitful man, literally, “the usurer,” the unmerciful creditor, meet together, they live side by side, as incongruous as it often seems; the Lord lighteneth both their eyes, they both owe their blessings to His kindness. Compare Matthew 5, 45.

V. 14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, with proper attention to his duty, so that he renders always a true judgment, his throne shall be established forever. Compare chapter 20, 28; 25, 5.

THE SOURCE OF EVIL SHOWN. — V. 15. The rod and reproof, properly and judiciously administered to a child, give wisdom, lay the foundation for the attainment of true morality; but a child left to himself, without proper discipline, left to his own will, bringeth his mother to shame, whose foolish indulgence is often to blame for the degeneration of her children.