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 June 20, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
– Proverbs 14:34
The scope of Proverbs is usually the individual, but in some places it’s broadened. Here, Solomon speaks to a
nation and
people. The word for
righteousness means justice. A nation that pursues rightness and justice is exalted or lifted up. A nation that tolerates and approves sin by enculturating and codifying it, is brought to shame (Proverbs 11:11; Romans 1:32).
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Proverbs 29:4
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.
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 29:4
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Filed under 29, Proverbs, Short Comments · Tagged with Commentary, Covetousness, Justice, King, Nation, Proverbs