Proverbs 29:12

If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. IF A RULER HEARKEN TO LIES, ALL HIS SERVANTS (ARE) WICKED - for they are sure to imitate him. As is the master, so will be his men. Rulers do as much injury by their bad example as by their bad deeds. How guarded those in authority ought to be, considering their responsibilities! Let servants, too, learn, in choosing places, to have regard to piety more than to gain....

Verse Proverbs 29:12. _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....

ALL HIS SERVANTS ARE WICKED - They know what will please, and they become informers and backbiters....

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

IF A RULER HEARKEN TO LIES,.... To men that tell them in order to soothe and flatter him, or to hurt the character and reputation of others, that they may raise their own: rulers should not listen to and encourage such sort of persons; for, as lying lips do not become a prince, so it is not right to have liars about him; David would not suffer such to dwell in his court, Psalms 101:7; ALL HIS SERVANTS [ARE] WICKED; or the greatest part of them: for a ruler of such a disposition will take none but such into his service, that flatter him, and calumniate others; and such a conduct, being pleasing and agreeable to him, is a temptation to his ministers to act the same wicked part; as is a prince, such are his courtiers; his example has a great influence upon them....

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....

Comp. "As is the judge of his people, so are his ministers; And as is the ruler of the city, _such are_all they that dwell therein." Sir 10:2....

IF A RULER HEARKEN TO LIES— In conformity to this aphorism, Tacitus says of Claudius, "There is no safety with that prince into whose mind all things are conveyed, as it were, by infusion and direction from others." And Comines observes, that it is better to be servant to a prince whose suspicions have no end, than to one whose credulity hath no measure....

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....