hideth his eyes--as the face ([Psa 27:9]; ), denotes inattention.
28. The elevation of the wicked to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare [Pr 28:12]; ; [Psa 12:8]).
Chapter 29
[Pr 29:1-27].
1. hardeneth ... neck--obstinately refuses counsel ([2Ki 17:14]; [Ne 9:16]).
destroyed--literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."
without remedy--literally, "without healing" or repairing.
2. (Compare [Pr 11:10]; ).
in authority--(Compare Margin), increased in power.
3. (Compare [Pr 4:6], ; , &c.).
4. by judgment--that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare [Pr 28:21]), by which good government is perverted.
land--for nation.
5. (Compare [Pr 26:28]).
spreadeth ... feet--By misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.
6. In--or, "By"
the transgression--he is brought into difficulty ([Pr 12:13]), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.
7. considereth--literally, "knows," as [Psa 1:6].
the cause--that is, in courts of justice (compare [Pr 29:14]). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked ([Pr 28:27]) occasions oppression.
8. Scornful men--those who contemptuously disregard God's law.
bring--(Compare Margin), kindle strife.
turn away wrath--that is, "abate wrath."
9. contendeth--that is, in law.
whether ... laugh--The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.
10. bloodthirsty--(Compare Margin), murderers ([Psa 5:6]; ).
hate, &c.--([Pr 1:11]; [Ge 3:4]).
seek ... soul--that is, to preserve it.
11. (Compare [Pr 12:16]; ).
mind--or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.
12. His servants imitate him.
13. (Compare [Pr 22:2]).
deceitful man--literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.
the Lord ... their eyes--sustains their lives ([1Sa 14:27]; [Psa 13:3]); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.
14. (Compare [Pr 20:28]; ). Such is the character of the King of kings ([Psa 72:4], ).
15. (Compare [Pr 13:24]; ).
16. (Compare [Pr 29:2], ; [Psa 12:1-8]).
shall see ... fall--and triumph in it (Psa 37:34-38; 58:[10, 11]).
17. (Compare [Pr 29:3], ; [Pr 19:18]).
give thee rest--peace and quiet (compare [Pr 29:9]).
18. no vision--instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions ([1Sa 3:1]).
people perish--(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.
keepeth the law--has, and observes, instruction ([Pr 14:11], ; [Psa 19:11]).
19. A servant--who lacks good principle.
corrected--or discovered.
will not answer--that is, will not obey.
20. (Compare [Pr 21:5]).