Proverbs 29:26

Many seek the ruler’s favor; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
– Proverbs 29:26

The word for favor literally means face and comes from a root meaning to turn. Favor is the dynamic equivalence of the term, for the sense is seeking favor. The contrast in the second line is judgment, or justice, coming from God. The contrast is further demonstrated between many seeking human favor and every man receiving justice from God. The saying contributes to understanding the folly of relying on men for justice rather than God (Proverbs 19:6).

Proverbs 29:15

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
– Proverbs 29:14

Long-term establishment of kings requires justice, or righteousness. Just treatment of the poor, or vulnerable, is godly (Proverbs 20:28; 29:4). The standing or falling of kingdoms turns on such justice (Proverbs 16:12; 20:28; 28:16).

Proverbs 29:7

The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
– Proverbs 29:7

This saying rounds out the group of sayings concerned with justice. The cause of the poor refers to justice, the rights and needs of the poor. The poor as a group often represent not merely the economically depressed, but those who are weak and vulnerable in various circumstances. The righteous know the state and condition of the easily oppressed, much like the faithful shepherd knows the state of his flocks (Proverbs 27:23). Such knowledge is coupled with action (Proverbs 29:4; 13-14; 26), but those who care nothing about it are here called wicked (Proverbs 21:13).

Proverbs 29:4

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).

Proverbs 28:21

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
– Proverbs 28:21

Verses 21-23 address greed in some form. This saying refers to the perversion of justice through bribes. Respect of persons refers to discrimination on the basis of a person’s standing, whether ethnically, socially, etc. The miscarriage of justice can go in favor of a person or against them depending on their standing. Such injustice is consistently condemned in Proverbs, as well as in the law (Proverbs 18:5; 24:23; Exodus 23:2, 8; Deuteronomy 1:17; 16:19).

A piece of bread is a slight temptation and so speaks to the power of unchecked greed within a covetous heart. As Kidner pointed out, this sin, or temptation to sin, is not only limited to public officials, but to teachers as well (Ezekiel 13:19).

Proverbs 28:17

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
– Proverbs 28:17

The word for violence is a form of the same word in translated oppressor in verse 16. It typically refers to extortion, and here is coupled with blood, so it refers to murder. Fleeing to the pit refers to going to the grave and means that guilt overwhelms the murderer. The last line is difficult and has been interpreted variously. It most likely seems to be a warning against interfering with justice.

Proverbs 28:8

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
– Proverbs 28:8

Just as the previous saying, this wisdom saying follows the law closely (Exodus 22:24; Leviticus 25:36; Deuteronomy 23:20-21). The law forbade exorbitant interest rates and prices, false scales, and other oppressive or predatory business practices. Israelites were not to profit off the poor and needy, or their family, which they were required to care for. The saying speaks to a redistribution of the gain that is consistent with other wisdom sayings (Proverbs 13:22). This saying fits in the general wisdom theme of injustice being resolved by justice.

Proverbs 28:5

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
– Proverbs 28:5

This verse continues the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Judgment is the issue at stake in the contrast. The word means a judicial verdict and refers to receiving right treatment according to law. The standard of judgment was referenced in the previous verse and is the law of God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” and the goal of instruction is wisdom, including the understanding of judgment (Proverbs 1:1-7). Evil men are fools who despise wisdom, so it remains out of reach for them and they do not understand true justice (Proverbs 1:7; 24:7). Evil men do not seek the Lord and do not understand justice, but the wise seek the Lord and do understand (Proverbs 2:1-9).

Proverbs 28:3

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
– Proverbs 28:3

The poor are the oppressed and afflicted in Proverbs. This would be the only occurrence, though, of the poor oppressing the poor. It may be difficult to envision, but not impossible. The simile compares that situation to a sweeping, or driving, rain that beats down the field and destroys the crops. Rain is necessary for the food to grow and where a blessing is expected, a curse can be found when the rain destroys. It is a fitting illustration of a poor man oppressing the poor given the opportunity, such as coming to power. Isaiah used the image of a driving rain that destroys to depict the Assyrians coming upon Ephraim (Isaiah 28:2). Whereas the reign of the righteous King bringing justice and judgment to the poor is compared to a gentle, watering rain that causes the fields to flourish (Psalm 72:1-7).

 


 

 

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