Posted by Jeff Short on May 28, 2020 · Leave a Comment
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).
Posted by Jeff Short on April 30, 2020 · Leave a Comment
If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
– Proverbs 29:12
Verses 12-14 form a small group of sayings related to kingship and rule. This saying relies on the Deuteronomic kingship ideal, where the ideal king is exemplar in keeping God’s law and presiding over a nation of the faithful (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). The king’s character will shape the character of his kingdom, for good or bad. This saying warns against the bad. If the king will listen to lies, more lies will be told him. The last phrase presents a thorough corruption to
all his servants.
Posted by Jeff Short 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).
Posted by Jeff Short on April 18, 2019 · Leave a Comment
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
– Proverbs 28:2
The word for
transgression points to rebellion and
land is put for a nation of people. Rebellion and multiplication of rulers go together. The northern kingdom of Israel had nine different dynasties consisting of twenty different kings in just over two hundred years. New dynasties were inaugurated by assassination of the previous one. Hosea prophesied against this sinful state in Israel (Hosea 7:7; 8:4; 13:11).
The contrast in the saying is not to a nation of people but to a single ruler who is a wise king, a man of understanding and knowledge. The wise and righteous king brings stability to the land (Proverbs 16:12; 29:4, 14).
Posted by Jeff Short on March 26, 2019 · Leave a Comment
The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
– Proverbs 27:26
This verse describes the reward for diligent care of the flocks and herds. The care for living things provides sustainability and stability. Applying the metaphor to a kingdom, it is the downfall of king and kingdom when the shepherd-king steals, kills, and devours the flock (2 Samuel 12:1-12; Jeremiah 23:1-4; Ezekiel 34:1-6).
Posted by Jeff Short on February 18, 2019 · Leave a Comment
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
– Proverbs 27:24
Verse 24 gives the reason for the previous verse and is expanded on in the following verses. Flocks and herds, when properly cared for, will produce and reproduce. They are a renewable resource. Riches, or wealth accumulated, do not work the same way. The mention of the crown gives the saying its kingly flavor. The crown is like the stored wealth in that it’s not as renewable. Clearly, the establishment of the crown requires righteous care of the people (2 Samuel 23:3; Proverbs 31:3-9).
Posted by Jeff Short on February 15, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
– Proverbs 27:23
Verses 23-27 form a saying using shepherding as a metaphor for investing in sustainability through care for living things. Ultimately, the saying contributes to the training of the sage/king, as is common to the latter part of the book of Proverbs.
The word for state literally means face and is put for knowing the condition of the flocks. The word for look means to put or set. The word for well means heart. The last phrase means to set your heart to your herds. It doesn’t mean to have sentimental feelings about them, but rather to think on them, to intentionally know their condition and provide for their care. The wise king knows his real business is the welfare of his people (Proverbs 14:28; 29:2).
Posted by Jeff Short on July 24, 2018 · Leave a Comment
For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
– Proverbs 25:7
Humility and patience are better than promoting oneself and later being humiliated. The king or
prince determines the places of their people. If you grasp for a higher place, you will likely be shamed when someone higher in standing arrives and you must give place to him. Jesus alluded to these wisdom principles in Luke 14:8-10. At first glance, the proverb may seem mere helpful advice to avoid social embarrassment. With further reflection, wisdom teaches there are more important matters than one’s social standing, whether real or perceived.
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 11, 2018 · Leave a Comment
For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
– Proverbs 24:22
Verse 22 explains the warning in the previous verse. The wording is a little difficult. The word for
calamity means ruin and indicates the downfall of the rebels of the previous verse. The word for
ruin means destruction. The both referred to is most naturally understood of God and the king in the previous verse. The warning is in light of the judgment coming upon the rebellious (Proverbs 16:14; 20:2).
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Proverbs 29:15
Posted by Jeff Short on May 28, 2020 · Leave a Comment
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
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 29:14
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