Proverbs 29:13
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
There may be a great gulf between the poor and the oppressor in human society, but they meet on a common level before God, as He is the One who gives light to their eyes.
Proverbs 29:12
If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
If a ruler wants to be pampered, flattered, and comforted by pleasant news, then all their servants will treat them exactly that way – they will lie, flatter them, and tell them what they want to hear.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
A fool vents all their feelings, but someone who is wise holds them back.
Proverbs 29:10
The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
The wicked hate and seek to destroy the righteous, while the righteous seek to protect and save life.
Proverbs 29:9
If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
When someone who is wise argues with a fool, the fool will only respond with rage or laughter, as they will never be persuaded, and there will be no peace.
Proverbs 29:8
Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
Scoffers set a city aflame, as they create turmoil by arousing and agitating people, and creating divisions among them. Those who are wise seek to avert discord and promote peace.
Proverbs 29:7
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
Righteous people take an active interest in the case of the poor, while the wicked are not interested in showing any such concern.
Proverbs 29:6
In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
An individual who is evil is often snared in the net of their own sin. The righteous are happy because they do not have to fear the consequences of transgression, so they can sing and rejoice.
Proverbs 29:5
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
The flatterer imperils their neighbor by refusing to tell them the truth or by praising them for things that are not true.
Proverbs 29:4
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
By acting with justice, a king brings his country to a position of strength. The one who accepts bribes to pervert justice is undermining the stability of the government.
