Where there is no vision, the people perish; But he who keeps the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18
Revelation from God for us to see and hear
29 1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
29:2-4 righteous are in authority People will always respond to good government and justice. Justice is not served by bribes, nor is good government established that way.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.
6 By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.
29:5, 6 Spreads a net: Lies entrap liars. Moreover, the evil one is trapped by his own actions. Both the liar and the wicked are contrasted with the righteous, who run happily because they are innocent of any wrongdoing.
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.
11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
29:13 God is responsible for giving life to both the poor man and the oppressor. Jesus attested that God causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust (Matt. 5:45).
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45
14 The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.
29:18 where there is no vision (revelation): The Hebrew word for revelation speaks of revelatory vision, a word from God. Without God’s revelation of the Law, the people flounder. True happiness is discovered within the constrains of revelation, in the counsel of the Savior.
19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
29:25 Worry about what others will say or think, trying to act accordingly, is a moral snare. We can be released only by trusting in God and caring about what He thinks.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
** When people see a righteous and capable person elected to become their president, everybody will be happy and feel secure about their future. The good news is that we have a righteous ruler. God rules over the universe and everything in it. That’s the 20/20 vision God gives to us. So, no need to mourn over the corrupt authorities we see now. The righteous will see them fall.
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. Proverbs 29:16
