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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/29-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_29_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 29:12 - The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked." /><script type="application/javascript" 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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm" title="Proverbs 29:11">◄</a> Proverbs 29:12 <a href="/proverbs/29-13.htm" title="Proverbs 29:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/29.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants <i>are</i> wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants <i>become</i> wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers <i>become</i> wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers <i>become</i> wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>If</i> a ruler pays attention to a lying word, All his ministers <i>become</i> wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler pays attention to lies [and encourages corruption], All his officials <i>will become</i> wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A ruler who listens to lies will have corrupt officials. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If a ruler pays attention to false information, all his officials will be liars. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When a ruler is listening to lies, all of his officials tend to become wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all his ministers will be wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If a ruler hearkeneth to lies, all his servants are wicked.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A ruler who is attending to lying words, "" All his ministers [are] wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A ruler who is attending to lying words, All his ministers are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A ruler listening to the word of falsehood, all serving him are unjust.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If rulers listen to lying words, their servants all become wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />All the Servants of a Prince that hears a lying word are evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />When a king hearkens to unjust language, all his subjects are transgressors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/29-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=6008" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm">The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: mō·šêl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">If a ruler</a> <a href="/hebrew/7181.htm" title="7181: maq·šîḇ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To incline (ears), attend. A primitive root; to prick up the ears, i.e. Hearken.">listens</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar- (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">lies,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8267.htm" title="8267: šā·qer (N-ms) -- Deception, disappointment, falsehood. From shaqar; an untruth; by implication, a sham."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/8334.htm" title="8334: mə·šā·rə·ṯāw (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mpc:: 3ms) -- To minister, serve. A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to.">his officials</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">will be wicked.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-6.htm">Isaiah 32:6</a></span><br />For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">1 Kings 12:6-11</a></span><br />Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-6.htm">2 Chronicles 10:6-11</a></span><br />Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-7.htm">Psalm 101:7</a></span><br />No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16</a></span><br />This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-5.htm">Micah 3:5</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-9.htm">Ezekiel 13:9</a></span><br />My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">2 Samuel 15:3-6</a></span><br />Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” / And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” / Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a></span><br />The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Matthew 23:24</a></span><br />You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39</a></span><br />Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-41.htm">John 9:41</a></span><br />“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a></span><br />For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If a ruler listen to lies, all his servants are wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Proverbs 20:8</a></b></br> A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-23.htm">Proverbs 25:23</a></b></br> The north wind driveth away rain: so <i>doth</i> an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-8.htm">1 Samuel 22:8</a></b></br> That all of you have conspired against me, and <i>there is</i> none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and <i>there is</i> none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Attending</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-10.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Hearkeneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Listens</a> <a href="/psalms/104-4.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Pays</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/psalms/135-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-10.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/8-13.htm">Attending</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-13.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-10.htm">Hearkeneth</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-2.htm">Listens</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-6.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-15.htm">Pays</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-26.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 29</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">observations of public government</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">and of private</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/29.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/29.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If a ruler listens to lies</b><br>This phrase highlights the critical role of leadership integrity. In biblical context, rulers were expected to uphold justice and truth, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>, where judges and officials are commanded to judge fairly. The Hebrew word for "listens" implies not just hearing but giving heed or attention, suggesting a ruler's active choice to entertain falsehoods. Historically, rulers like King Ahab, who listened to false prophets (1 Kings 22), demonstrate the destructive consequences of such actions. This phrase warns against the moral decay that begins at the top, reflecting the biblical principle that leaders set the tone for their people (<a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2</a>).<p><b>all his officials will be wicked</b><br>The phrase suggests a trickle-down effect of corruption. When a leader is swayed by deceit, it creates an environment where dishonesty thrives among subordinates. This mirrors the biblical narrative of King Saul, whose disobedience and insecurity led to a corrupt administration (<a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">1 Samuel 22:6-19</a>). The term "wicked" in Hebrew often denotes moral and ethical deviation from God's law, emphasizing the spiritual implications of corrupt leadership. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus warns against the "blind leading the blind" (<a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a>), illustrating the broader impact of ungodly leadership. The phrase serves as a cautionary note on the importance of truth and righteousness in governance, aligning with the biblical call for leaders to be shepherds of integrity (<a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/ruler.htm">Ruler</a></b><br>In the context of this proverb, a ruler refers to any person in a position of authority or leadership. This could be a king, a government official, or even a leader in a church or organization.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/o/officials.htm">Officials</a></b><br>These are the subordinates or advisors who serve under the ruler. Their behavior and integrity are influenced by the ruler's actions and decisions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/lies.htm">Lies</a></b><br>This refers to falsehoods, deceit, or misinformation. The acceptance of lies by a ruler can lead to corruption and moral decay within the leadership structure.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_leadership.htm">The Influence of Leadership</a></b><br>A leader's acceptance of lies sets a precedent for those under their authority. Leaders must prioritize truth to foster integrity within their ranks.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_ripple_effect_of_deceit.htm">The Ripple Effect of Deceit</a></b><br>When a ruler listens to lies, it not only corrupts the leader but also permeates through the entire administration, leading to widespread wickedness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_discernment.htm">The Responsibility of Discernment</a></b><br>Leaders must exercise discernment and seek wisdom to differentiate between truth and falsehood, ensuring their decisions are just and righteous.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_for_accountability.htm">The Call for Accountability</a></b><br>Both leaders and their officials are accountable to God for their actions. Upholding truth is essential for maintaining divine favor and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_advisors.htm">The Role of Advisors</a></b><br>Advisors and officials should be chosen based on their integrity and commitment to truth, as they play a crucial role in guiding the ruler's decisions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 29</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_truth_according_to_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible teach about money?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/repay_evil_with_evil.htm">Should we repay evil with evil? (Proverbs 24:29 vs. Romans 12:17)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_history_show_'righteous'_leaders_fail.htm">Proverbs 29:2 says people rejoice under righteous rulers; how does that hold up against historical instances where 'righteous' leaders failed to foster joy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_totalitarianism.htm">What defines totalitarianism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.--</span>If a ruler shows that he likes adulation and falsehood rather than unpleasant truths, his attendants will provide him with what he wishes. (Comp. <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/10-2.htm" title="As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers; and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all they that dwell therein.">Ecclesiasticus 10:2</a>.) So Jeremiah complains (<a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm" title="The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will you do in the end thereof?">Jeremiah 5:31</a>) that prophets, priests, and people were all wilfully deceiving each other.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">All his servants are wicked.</span> The ruler is willing to be deceived, and does not care to hear the truth, so his servants flatter and lie to him, and the whole atmosphere is charged with unreality and deceit. <span class="accented">Qualis rex</span>, <span class="accented">talis grex</span>. Ecclus. 10:2, "As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers; and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all that dwell therein." Claudian, 'IV. Cons. Hon.,' 299 - <p><span class="foreign">"Componitur orbis<br />Regis ad exemplum: nec sic inflectere sensus<br />Humanos edicta valent, ut vita regentis.<br />Mobile mutatur semper cum principe vulgus."</span> <p><span class="accented">"By the king's precedent<br />The world is ordered; and men's minds are moved<br />Less by stern edicts than their ruler's life.<br />The fickle crowd aye by the prince is swayed."</span> Cicero, 'De Leg.,' 3:13, "Ut enim cupiditatibus principum et vitiis iufici solet tota civitas, sic emendari et corrigi continentia." And ibid., 14, "Quo perniciosius de republica merentur vitiosi principes, quod non solum vitia concipiunt ipsi, sod ea infundunt in civitatem; neque solum obsunt, ipsi quod corrumpuntur, sed etiam quod corrumpunt, plusque exemplo, quam peccato, nocent." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/29-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If a ruler</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹ֭שֵׁל</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">listens</span><br /><span class="heb">מַקְשִׁ֣יב</span> <span class="translit">(maq·šîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7181.htm">Strong's 7181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prick up the ears, hearken</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lies,</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבַר־</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his officials</span><br /><span class="heb">מְשָׁרְתָ֥יו</span> <span class="translit">(mə·šā·rə·ṯāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8334.htm">Strong's 8334: </a> </span><span class="str2">To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be wicked.</span><br /><span class="heb">רְשָׁעִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies all (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 29:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/29-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 29:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>