By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. By justiceThe Hebrew word for "justice" is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which encompasses a broad range of meanings including judgment, rights, and rectitude. In the biblical context, justice is a divine attribute and a fundamental principle of God's kingdom. It implies fairness, righteousness, and adherence to God's laws. A king who rules with justice aligns his governance with God's will, ensuring that the rights of all, especially the marginalized, are protected. This reflects the biblical mandate for leaders to act as God's representatives on earth, promoting peace and equity. a king
The term "king" in Hebrew is "מֶלֶךְ" (melek). In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, responsible for leading the people according to divine statutes. The king's role was not merely political but also spiritual, serving as a shepherd to the nation. The king's adherence to justice was crucial for maintaining God's favor and ensuring the prosperity of the land. This highlights the biblical principle that leadership is a sacred trust, requiring wisdom and integrity. gives stability
The phrase "gives stability" is derived from the Hebrew root "כּוּן" (kun), meaning to establish, prepare, or make firm. Stability in this context refers to social order, peace, and prosperity. A just ruler creates an environment where people can thrive, free from fear and oppression. This stability is not just political but also moral and spiritual, as it reflects the order and harmony of God's creation. The verse underscores the importance of righteous leadership in fostering a stable and flourishing society. to the land
The "land" in Hebrew is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), which can refer to the physical territory or the people inhabiting it. In the biblical narrative, the land is a gift from God, a place of blessing and covenant. The well-being of the land is directly linked to the faithfulness of its leaders and people to God's commandments. A stable land is one where justice prevails, and God's presence is manifest. This emphasizes the interconnectedness of spiritual and material prosperity in the biblical worldview. but a man who exacts tribute
The phrase "a man who exacts tribute" refers to oppressive taxation or exploitation. The Hebrew word for "tribute" is "מַס" (mas), which can imply forced labor or heavy taxation. Such practices were common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, often leading to social unrest and rebellion. The verse contrasts the destructive nature of greed and exploitation with the life-giving power of justice. It serves as a warning against the abuse of power and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of communal well-being. demolishes it
The word "demolishes" comes from the Hebrew "הָרַס" (haras), meaning to tear down or destroy. This stark imagery conveys the devastating impact of unjust leadership on a nation. When leaders prioritize personal gain over justice, they undermine the very foundations of society, leading to chaos and ruin. The verse serves as a prophetic reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's principles, urging leaders to uphold justice as the cornerstone of their rule. Persons / Places / Events 1. KingRepresents leadership and authority, often seen as a ruler who has the power to influence the stability and prosperity of a nation. 2. LandSymbolizes the nation or community under the king's rule, reflecting the well-being and order of society. 3. JusticeThe practice of fairness and righteousness, crucial for maintaining stability and peace within a society. 4. TributeRefers to excessive taxation or exploitation, which can lead to the downfall and instability of a nation. 5. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding of governance and justice. Teaching Points The Role of Justice in LeadershipJustice is foundational for a stable and prosperous society. Leaders must prioritize fairness and righteousness to maintain order and peace. The Dangers of ExploitationLeaders who exploit their people for personal gain undermine the very foundation of their authority and risk societal collapse. Biblical Model of GovernanceThe Bible provides a model for governance that emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility, which should guide Christian leaders in all areas of influence. Personal Application of JusticeWhile this proverb speaks to leaders, individuals are also called to act justly in their personal and professional lives, contributing to the stability of their communities. Consequences of Ignoring WisdomIgnoring wise counsel and pursuing selfish gain leads to division and destruction, as seen in the biblical account of Rehoboam. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of justice in Proverbs 29:4 relate to the role of leaders in today's society? 2. In what ways can individuals contribute to the stability of their communities by practicing justice? 3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the negative effects of exploitation or unfair leadership. How does this relate to the warning in Proverbs 29:4? 4. How can the biblical principles of justice and mercy be applied in your workplace or community involvement? 5. Consider the account of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. What lessons can we learn about the importance of listening to wise counsel and the consequences of ignoring it? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 16:12This verse highlights the importance of righteousness in leadership, emphasizing that a throne is established through justice. Isaiah 32:1Describes a future where a king reigns in righteousness, providing a vision of ideal leadership that aligns with the principles in Proverbs 29:4. 1 Kings 12:4-14The account of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, who ignored wise counsel and imposed heavy burdens on the people, leading to the division of the kingdom, illustrating the consequences of failing to rule with justice. Micah 6:8Calls for justice, mercy, and humility, reinforcing the biblical mandate for leaders to act justly. Romans 13:1-4Discusses the role of governing authorities and their responsibility to promote good and restrain evil, aligning with the concept of justice in leadership. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Bribes, Desires, Establisheth, Exacteth, Exacts, Full, Gifts, Gives, Greedy, Judgment, Justice, Makes, Overthroweth, Overthrows, Receiveth, Receiving, Ruins, Rule, Safe, Stability, Stable, Takes, Taketh, Tears, Throweth, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 29:4 5053 responsibility, for world
5238 bribery
5257 civil authorities
5326 government
5349 injustice, examples
5366 king
5870 greed, condemnation
5891 instability
5953 stability
6135 coveting, and sin
7735 leaders, political
8243 ethics, social Library An Obscured vision
(Preached at the opening of the Winona Lake Bible Conference.) TEXT: "Where there is no vision, the people perish."--Proverbs 29:18. It is not altogether an easy matter to secure a text for such an occasion as this; not because the texts are so few in number but rather because they are so many, for one has only to turn over the pages of the Bible in the most casual way to find them facing him at every reading. Feeling the need of advice for such a time as this, I asked a number of my friends who …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas IscariotTwo Ancient Proverbs
A Sermon (No. 3080) Published on Thursday, February 20th, 1908. Delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on Lord's Day evening, March 29th, 1874. "The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso puteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." --Proverbs 29:25. We have two ancient proverbs here; each of them is true as a separate proverb, and they are equally true when linked together. The independent proposition, that the fear of man bringeth a snare, is a truth which experience …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church But Sometimes a Peril to Eternal Salvation Itself is Put Forth against Us...
40. But sometimes a peril to eternal salvation itself is put forth against us; [2466] which peril, they cry out, we by telling a lie, if otherwise it cannot be, must ward off. As, for instance, if a person who is to be baptized be in the power of impious and infidel men, and cannot be got at that he may be washed with the laver of regeneration, but by deceiving his keepers with a lie. From this most invidious cry, by which we are compelled, not for a man's wealth or honors in this world which are …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Little Sarah Howley.
MISS SARAH HOWLEY, when she was between eight and nine years old, was carried by her friends to hear a sermon, where the minister preached upon Matt. xi, 30, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light;" in the applying of which scripture the child was mightily awakened, and made deeply sensible of the condition of her soul, and her need of Christ: she wept bitterly to think what a case she was in; went home, retired into a chamber, and upon her knees she wept and cried to the Lord as well as she could, …
John Wesley—Stories of Boys and Girls Who Loved the Saviour For, Concerning False Witness, which is Set Down in the Ten Commands of The...
36. For, concerning false witness, which is set down in the ten commands of the Law, it can indeed in no wise be contended that love of truth may at heart be preserved, and false witness brought forth to him unto whom the witness is borne. For, when it is said to God only, then it is only in the heart that the truth is to be embraced: but when it is said to man, then must we with the mouth also of the body bring forth truth, because man is not an inspector of the heart. But then, touching the witness …
St. Augustine—On Lying Palm Sunday
Text: Philippians 2, 5-11. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II It Remains Then that we Understand as Concerning those Women...
33. It remains then that we understand as concerning those women, whether in Egypt or in Jericho, that for their humanity and mercy they received a reward, in any wise temporal, which indeed itself, while they wist not of it, should by prophetical signification prefigure somewhat eternal. But whether it be ever right, even for the saving of a man's life, to tell a lie, as it is a question in resolving which even the most learned do weary themselves, it did vastly surpass the capacity of those poor …
St. Augustine—Against Lying What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
1. Manifest formality in religious exercises. A stereotyped, formal way of saying and doing things, that is clearly the result of habit, rather than the outgushing of the religious life. This formality will be emotionless and cold as an iceberg, and will evince a total want of earnestness in the performance of religious duty. In prayer and in religious exercises the backslider in heart will pray or praise, or confess, or give thanks with his lips, so that all can hear him, perhaps, but in such a …
Charles G. Finney—The Backslider in Heart God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
Rom. xi. 36.--"Of him and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever." And 1 Cor. x. 31--"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." All that men have to know, may be comprised under these two heads,--What their end is, and What is the right way to attain to that end? And all that we have to do, is by any means to seek to compass that end. These are the two cardinal points of a man's knowledge and exercise. Quo et qua eundum est,--Whither to go, and what way to go. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning How the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 10.) Differently to be admonished are the impatient and the patient. For the impatient are to be told that, while they neglect to bridle their spirit, they are hurried through many steep places of iniquity which they seek not after, inasmuch as fury drives the mind whither desire draws it not, and, when perturbed, it does, not knowing, what it afterwards grieves for when it knows. The impatient are also to be told that, when carried headlong by the impulse of emotion, they act in some …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away.
There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with delusions. For Satan can change himself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlike pretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, and gain the consent of many unto them; so that in such a time of temptation many are stolen off their feet, and made to depart from the right ways of God, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now the question is, …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 29:4 NIVProverbs 29:4 NLTProverbs 29:4 ESVProverbs 29:4 NASBProverbs 29:4 KJV
Proverbs 29:4 Commentaries
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