Posted by Jeff Short on March 10, 2020 · Leave a Comment
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
– Proverbs 29:2
This saying echoes the theme of righteous rule contrasted with wicked rule. The general tenor of wisdom emphasizes the flourishing of people under righteous rule and also issues warning to rulers (Proverbs 11:10-11; 28:12, 28; 29:16).
Posted by Jeff Short on February 26, 2020 · Leave a Comment
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
– Proverbs 28:28
This is the second of four similar sayings. The first is Proverbs 28:12, the third is Proverbs 29:2, and the fourth is Proverbs 29:16. These sayings frame this kingly section of wisdom sayings by emphasizing the righteous rule as a blessing to the people and wicked rule as a curse. These sayings form a string where each saying continues from the previous in the sequence. This saying picks up the thread of hiding from wicked rulers.
Thematically, the saying is also linked with the previous one (Proverbs 28:27). There the care or neglect of the poor brings either blessing or curse, and this saying could extend that to a nation. The word for increase means abundance, or being multiplied. The same word is used to denounce extortionary practices on the backs of the poor in Proverbs 28:8. This accords with a wise and righteous ruler who hates covetousness (Proverbs 28:16). So, righteous rule leads to the increase of the people.
Posted by Jeff Short on April 17, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
– Proverbs 12:24
Proverbs consistently commends diligence, or hard work (Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4; 12:27; 13:4; 19:15; 21:5). Diligence is a part of walking in wisdom. As Solomon put elsewhere, “time and chance” happens to all, so there is no absolute guarantee that diligence will lead to prosperity, but it is generally true (Ecclesiastes 9:11). To
bear rule means to have dominion and it isn’t limited to positions of government. It refers here to the ascendance of the
diligent to greater responsibility and authority. The word for
tribute means a tax or forced labor situation. This contrast shows how the
slothful descend in responsibility and authority. They are neither wise nor diligent like the ant, which needs no overseer (Proverbs 6:6-8).
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Proverbs 29:2
Posted by Jeff Short on March 10, 2020 · Leave a Comment
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
This saying echoes the theme of righteous rule contrasted with wicked rule. The general tenor of wisdom emphasizes the flourishing of people under righteous rule and also issues warning to rulers (Proverbs 11:10-11; 28:12, 28; 29:16).– Proverbs 29:2
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Filed under 29, Proverbs, Short Comments · Tagged with Commentary, Government, Proverbs, Righteous, Rule, Wicked