Proverbs 29:10

The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. THE BLOOD-THIRSTY HATE THE UPRIGHT (as virtually, and often verbally condemning their mode of life, 1 John 3:12; ; and therefore "seek" to destroy them): BUT THE JUST SEEK HIS SOUL - to save it, (, margin.)...

SEEK HIS SOUL - i. e., “Care for, watch over, his life” (compare Psalms 142:4)....

EXPOSITION This chapter reinforces many precept given previously. PROVERBS 29:1 HE THAT BEING OFTEN REPROVED HARDENETH HIS NECK; literally, _a man of reproofs—_one_ _who has had a long experience of rebukes and warnings. Compare "a man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3). The hardening of the neck is a metaphor derived from obstinate draught animals who will not submit to the yoke (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 27:8). Christ calls his yoke easy, and bids his followers

THE BLOODTHIRSTY HATE THE UPRIGHT,.... Cain did Abel; and as the wicked world hate all good men, and persecute them, even unto death; BUT THE JUST MUST SEEK HIS SOUL; either the soul of the bloodthirsty, and that either the good of their souls; seek their spiritual welfare, and pray for it, even though they are so cruel and inhuman: or just magistrates will seek after such persons, to punish them for shedding the blood of the upright. Or else the meaning is, that just persons seek the soul of the upright, and make inquisition for the blood of such, to punish for it; which comes to the same sense, as Aben Ezra observes: or rather, such seek to defend and preserve the soul or life of upright men from those that hate and persecute them. Jarchi illustrates it by 1 Samuel 22:23; the Targum is, "men that shed blood hate integrity; but the upright seek it.''...

CHAPTER 29 THE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS These final instructions given in proverbs cover the similar ground as those in the previous Chapter s. Wisdom shines out in each, and the contents of every proverb shows that the author is not Solomon but He who is perfect in knowledge. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Scripture abounds with examples of cases of hardening the neck and the heart, like Pharaoh, Ahab and others. This proverb will be finally proven to be the truth when an ungodly age will end with judgment for those who were often reproved and continue in sin. Once more the sin of flattery is mentioned. “A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet” Proverbs 29:5. Flattery is akin to lying and can never be right, but is always a mistake, which results in the gravest consequences. More servants

PROVERBS 29:2. _cf._ Proverbs 11:10 f., Proverbs 28:12. Proverbs 29:4. he that exacteth gifts: lit. a man of presents. Proverbs 29:9 b. Who is the subject? If it is the wise man, the meaning is that however he treats his opponent, seriously or lightly, he cannot end the matter. If it is the fool, the thought will be that he shows no decorum of manner. The proverb seems directed against a wise man's going to law with a fool....

THE BLOODTHIRSTY. men of bloods. Hebrew. _'enosh._ App-14. HATE THE UPRIGHT. Illustrations: Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:7); Jezebel (1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 19:2); Jews (Acts 23:12); Cain (Genesis 4:8. Compare 1 John 3:12). THE UPRIGHT. upright ones. THE JUST. an honest one. SEEK HIS SOUL: i.e. to preserve it. Illustrations: Jonathan (1 Samuel 19

_seek_ i.e. _care for_, as R.V. marg. Comp. Psalms 142:4 [Hebrews 5], where however the Hebrew word, _seek_, is not the same as here. It is more in accordance with the use of the phrase _to seek the life_, to render, with R.V. text, THE BLOODTHIRSTY HATE HIM THAT IS PERFECT: And as for the upright they seek his life. The LXX. however has: οἱ δὲ εὐθεῖς εὐθεῖς ἐκζητήσουσι ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ; and the Vulg. justi autem quærunt animam ejus....

IF A WISE MAN CONTENDETH, &C.— _A wise man, contending in judgment with a foolish man, whether he is provoked or derided, remains unmoved._—Ver. 10. _Deceitful men hold the upright in little esteem; but the just embrace him._ Houbigant. Schultens renders the last verse, _Bloody men hate the upright, and seek the life of the just._...

TEXT Proverbs 29:10-18 10. The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect: And as for the upright, they seek his life. 11. A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it. 12. If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked. 13. The poor man and the oppressor met together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both. 14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever. 15. The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother. 16. When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall. 17. Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul. 18....