Proverbs 29:26

Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. MANY SEEK THE RULER'S FAVOUR (literally, face; namely, that he may give sentence in their favour): BUT (EVERY) MAN'S JUDGMENT (COMETH) FROM THE LORD. Yahweh is the true and primary source of all decisions: nothing happens except by His permission (). By Him, too, we shall be ultimately judged. Therefore commit thy cause to Him....

Verse Proverbs 29:26. _MANY SEEK THE RULER'S FAVOUR_] To be screened from the punishment determined by the law; but should _he_ grant the favour sought, and pardon the criminal, this takes not away his guilt in the sight of God, from whom all just judgment proceeds....

To trust in the favor of princes is to build upon the sands. The judgment which will set right all wrong will come from the Lord. It is better to wait for that than to run here and there, canvassing, bribing, flattering....

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

MANY SEEK THE RULER'S FAVOUR,.... Or "face" e; are very desirous of being admitted into his presence, and of having his company and conversation; of having an opportunity to ask a favour of him, and of receiving honour from him, and of gaining him on their side, to take their part in a cause depending; see Proverbs 19:6; BUT [EVERY] MAN'S JUDGMENT [COMETH] FROM THE LORD; who has the hearts of kings and rulers in his hand, and directs them in bestowing their favours, and in determining causes; so that all things are ultimately from the Lord; and therefore it is best to seek unto him, and trust in him: or the state and condition and circumstances of men, as to riches and honour, and the like, are all from the Lord, according as he sees fit; who sets up one and pulls down another, according to his pleasure. e פני "faciem", V. L. Pagninus, Vatablus, Tigurine ver

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....

TEXT Proverbs 29:19-27 19. A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed. 20. Seest thou a man that is hasty in words? There is more hope of a fool than of him. 21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at last. 22. An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression. 23. A man's pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor. 24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing. 25. The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe. 26. Many seek the ruler's favor; But a man's judgment cometh from Jehovah.

KINGS AND FATHERS 3. Cp. the prodigal son (Luke 15)....

LESSONS ABOUT WISDOM PROVERBS _KEITH SIMONS_ CHAPTER 29 V1 A man might refuse to change his behaviour, even if many people try to correct him. A terrible trouble will suddenly ruin that man’s life. No remedy can save him. V2 When good people succeed, everybody is happy. When wicked people rule, everybody suffers. V3 A man’s wisdom brings joy to his father....