Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Proverbs 29

Commentaries

Proverbs 29:1 If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ. MHBC 658.1

Proverbs 29:2 The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked. MHBC 658.2

Proverbs 29:3 Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts. MHBC 658.3

Proverbs 29:4 The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people. MHBC 658.4

Proverbs 29:5 Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. MHBC 658.5

Proverbs 29:6 Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety. MHBC 658.6

Proverbs 29:7 This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked. MHBC 658.7

Proverbs 29:8 The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. MHBC 658.8

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done. MHBC 658.9

Proverbs 29:10 Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation. MHBC 658.10

Proverbs 29:11 He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. MHBC 658.11

Proverbs 29:12 One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. MHBC 658.12

Proverbs 29:13 Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. MHBC 658.13

Proverbs 29:14 The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. MHBC 658.14

Proverbs 29:15 Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. MHBC 658.15

Proverbs 29:16 Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. MHBC 658.16

Proverbs 29:17 Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. MHBC 658.17

Proverbs 29:18 How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. MHBC 658.18

Proverbs 29:19 Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. MHBC 658.19

Proverbs 29:20 When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. MHBC 658.20

Proverbs 29:21 Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place. MHBC 658.21

Proverbs 29:22 An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God. MHBC 658.22

Proverbs 29:23 Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. MHBC 658.23

Proverbs 29:24 The receiver is as bad as the thief. MHBC 658.24

Proverbs 29:25 Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare. MHBC 658.25

Proverbs 29:26 The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be. MHBC 658.26

Proverbs 29:27 The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness. MHBC 658.27