Proverbs 29:4

Posted by on March 30, 2020 · Leave a Comment 

The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
– Proverbs 29:4

The sayings of verses 4-7 share a common concern for justice. The contrast here is between establishing the land and overthrowing it. The difference between the outcomes is in the heart of the king. If he pursues judgment, or justice, the land/nation will be established (Proverbs 16:12; 20:8; 29:14). The word for gifts usually indicates bribes when in the context of justice. Here, the gifts reflect financial corruption in the hearts of rulers. We could extend the application of Proverbs 15:27 to greedy rulers who trouble their own land and add the admonition of hating covetousness for the nation to have stability (Proverbs 28:16).

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Proverbs 28:16

Posted by on December 3, 2019 · Leave a Comment 

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
– Proverbs 28:16

A prince is a ruler and wanting understanding means he is a foolish ruler. He lacks the wisdom needed in ruling justly. The foolish ruler becomes an oppressor, or tyrannical in his rule. The word for oppressor refers to extortion. The second line forms an uneven parallel. The ruler that hates covetousness has wisdom and it tends to life (Proverbs 15:28; 29:14). The word for covetousness refers to unjust gain that might result from deceptive business practices, or in this case, tyrannical abuse of authority. The implication for the foolish ruler is their folly rejects wisdom and tends to death (Proverbs 8:36).

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