Proverbs 29:7

The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. THE RIGHTEOUS CONSIDERETH THE CAUSE OF THE POOR ( ): (BUT) THE WICKED REGARDETH NOT TO KNOW IT. Though there is no gain, but much trouble, attending the just and merciful consideration of the cause of the poor, yet the righteous take all pains about it. The wicked do not care to know it; or if they know it, act as if they knew it not....

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 RIGHTEOUS CONSIDERETH THE CAUSE OF THE POOR,.... Not his poverty and distress, so as to relieve him, which yet he does, Psalms 41:1; nor the person of the poor in judgment, and which he ought not to do; for as he should not regard a rich man's person, and favour him, because he is rich; so neither a poor man, because he is poor, through an affectation of mercy, Leviticus 19:15; but the cause of the poor, and the justice of that, and do him justice, though a poor man. This is to be understood chiefly of a civil magistrate, a judge righteous; who will take notice of and regard a poor man's cause, and take a good deal of pains and care that he is not injured. Or, "knoweth the judgment of the poor" m he acquaints himself with his case, makes himself thoroughly master of it, searches out his c

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....

CONSIDERETH. Hebrew "knoweth", put by Figure of speech _Metonymy_ (of Cause), for the result of knowing. Illustrations: Job (Job 29:13. Compare Psalms 37:26; Psalms 112:5. Pro 29:31, Proverbs 29:20); Josiah (Jeremiah 22:16). THE POOR. weak ones. Hebrew. _dal._ See note on "poverty", Proverbs 6:11. REGARDETH NOT TO KNOW IT: i.e. makes no attempt to know it; or, knowing it, does not consider it. Illustrations: Jews ...

_the cause_ the judicial cause in a court of law. Comp. Deuteronomy 17:8, where the same Heb. word is rendered _plea_. _regardeth not_ Or, _hath not understanding_, R.V. Either does not take the trouble, as the righteous does, to look into the case; or, has not the moral perception to grasp its bearings....

CHAPTER 29 TEXT Proverbs 29:1-9 1. He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2. When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh. 3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance. 4. The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it. 5. A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps. 6. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice. 7. The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know it. 8. Scoffers set a city in a flame;

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....