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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 />By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a person who takes bribes ruins it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By justice the king causes the land to stand, But a man of bribes tears it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a person who demands “contributions” demolishes it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man who demands &#8220contributions&#8221 demolishes it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />An honest ruler makes the nation strong; a ruler who takes bribes will bring it to ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />By means of justice, a king builds up a country, but a person who confiscates religious contributions tears it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the king is concerned with justice, the nation will be strong, but when he is only concerned with money, he will ruin his country. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A king brings stability to a land through justice, but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts tribute tears it down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A king establishes a land by judgment, "" And one receiving gifts throws it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A king by judgment establisheth a land, And one receiving gifts throweth it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A king in judgment shall establish the land: and a man of presents shall overthrow it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />By justice a king builds up the land; but one who raises taxes tears it down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The king by justice enriches the land; but a wicked man causes it to be in want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The king by judgment establishes the land, and the evil one deprives it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A righteous king establishes a country: but a transgressor destroys <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/29-4.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=5948" 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">3</span>A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: bə·miš·pāṭ (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Judgment. ">By justice</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">a king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ya·‘ă·mîḏ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">brings stability</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">to the land,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">but a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8641.htm" title="8641: tə·rū·mō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Contribution, offering (for sacred uses). Or trumah; from ruwm; a present, especially in sacrifice or as tribute.">who exacts tribute</a> <a href="/hebrew/2040.htm" title="2040: ye·her·sen·nāh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3fse) -- To throw down, break or tear down. A primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, &? Destroy.">demolishes it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.…<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/32-1.htm">Isaiah 32:1</a></span><br />Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">2 Samuel 23:3</a></span><br />The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13-17</a></span><br />“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, / who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. / Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-1.htm">Psalm 72:1-4</a></span><br />Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. / May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. / May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12</a></span><br />Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Proverbs 20:28</a></span><br />Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15-16</a></span><br />Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. / A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-9.htm">1 Kings 10:9</a></span><br />Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a></span><br />First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3-4</a></span><br />For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. / For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a></span><br />Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/45-9.htm">Ezekiel 45:9</a></span><br />For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Enough, O princes of Israel! Cease your violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing My people, declares the Lord GOD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-1.htm">Micah 3:1-3</a></span><br />Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a></span><br />But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The king by judgment establishes the land: but he that receives gifts overthrows it.</p><p class="hdg">king</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Proverbs 29:14</a></b></br> The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.</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="hdg">he that receiveth gifts</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/15-18.htm">2 Kings 15:18-20</a></b></br> And he did <i>that which was</i> evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13-17</a></b></br> Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; <i>that</i> useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/11-20.htm">Daniel 11:20</a></b></br> Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes <i>in</i> the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Bribes</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Country</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Establisheth</a> <a href="/psalms/89-22.htm">Exacteth</a> <a href="/job/11-6.htm">Exacts</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-25.htm">Greedy</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Overthroweth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Overthrows</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Receiving</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-24.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Stability</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-30.htm">Stable</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/psalms/28-5.htm">Throweth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Bribes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">Country</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/daniel/6-15.htm">Establisheth</a> <a href="/job/11-6.htm">Exacteth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-16.htm">Exacts</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-11.htm">Greedy</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-26.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-17.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/genesis/19-25.htm">Overthroweth</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Overthrows</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-28.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-13.htm">Receiving</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-26.htm">Right</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-6.htm">Stability</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-5.htm">Stable</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-19.htm">Throweth</a> <a href="/songs/2-2.htm">Waste</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>By justice a king brings stability to the land</b><br>Justice is a central theme in the Bible, often associated with righteousness and fairness. In the context of ancient Israel, a king was expected to rule with justice, reflecting God's own character (<a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Psalm 89:14</a>). The stability mentioned here refers to peace and prosperity, which are the results of just governance. Historical examples include King Solomon, whose wisdom and fair judgments brought peace and prosperity to Israel (<a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20-25</a>). Justice in leadership is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, with prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah calling for rulers to act justly (<a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a>). This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate just ruler, Jesus Christ, whose reign is characterized by perfect justice and peace (<a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a>).<p><b>but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it</b><br>Exacting tribute refers to oppressive taxation or forced labor, practices that were common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. Such actions often led to unrest and rebellion, destabilizing the kingdom. Historical examples include Rehoboam, Solomon's son, whose harsh policies led to the division of the kingdom (<a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">1 Kings 12:4-19</a>). The phrase highlights the destructive nature of greed and exploitation, contrasting with the stability brought by justice. This principle is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16</a>, which warns against oppressive rulers. Theologically, it underscores the biblical call for leaders to serve rather than exploit their people, a principle exemplified by Jesus Christ, who came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king.htm">King</a></b><br>Represents leadership and authority, often seen as a ruler who has the power to influence the stability and prosperity of a nation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/land.htm">Land</a></b><br>Symbolizes the nation or community under the king's rule, reflecting the well-being and order of society.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/justice.htm">Justice</a></b><br>The practice of fairness and righteousness, crucial for maintaining stability and peace within a society.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/tribute.htm">Tribute</a></b><br>Refers to excessive taxation or exploitation, which can lead to the downfall and instability of a nation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding of governance and justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_justice_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Justice in Leadership</a></b><br>Justice is foundational for a stable and prosperous society. Leaders must prioritize fairness and righteousness to maintain order and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_exploitation.htm">The Dangers of Exploitation</a></b><br>Leaders who exploit their people for personal gain undermine the very foundation of their authority and risk societal collapse.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/biblical_model_of_governance.htm">Biblical Model of Governance</a></b><br>The Bible provides a model for governance that emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility, which should guide Christian leaders in all areas of influence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_application_of_justice.htm">Personal Application of Justice</a></b><br>While 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_ignoring_wisdom.htm">Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom</a></b><br>Ignoring wise counsel and pursuing selfish gain leads to division and destruction, as seen in the biblical account of Rehoboam.<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_laws_should_govern_kings.htm">What laws should govern the actions of kings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_in_the_gospel_of_the_hebrews.htm">What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_societal_hierarchy.htm">What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_4_1_ignore_bad_guidance.htm">Does the call to heed a father's instruction in Proverbs 4:1 ignore the possibility of flawed or harmful parental guidance?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">By judgment.--</span>Upright decisions.<p><span class= "bld">He that receiveth gifts.--</span>To pervert justice (<a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm" title="He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live.">Proverbs 15:27</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - Many of the proverbs in this chapter seem to suit the time of Jeroboam II. (see on Proverbs 28:3). <span class="cmt_word">The king by judgment establisheth the land.</span> The king, the fountain of justice, by his equitable government brings his country into a healthy and settled condition (<a href="/1_kings/15-4.htm">1 Kings 15:4</a>; comp. Ver. 14; <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12</a>; <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Proverbs 25:5</a>). In the security of the throne the land and people participate. <span class="cmt_word">He that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.</span> The expression, <span class="hebrew">אִישׁ תְּרוּמות</span> (<span class="accented">ish terumoth</span>), "man of offerings," "man of gifts," is ambiguous: it may mean "the taker of bribes," the unrighteous ruler who sells justice (<a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Proverbs 15:27</a>), or it may signify "the imposer of taxes" (<a href="/ezekiel/45-13.htm">Ezekiel 45:13</a>, etc.) or forced benevolences. Aquila and Theodotion have <span class="greek">ἀνὴρ</span> <span class="greek">ἀφαιρεμάτων</span>, "man of heave offerings," and Wordsworth regards him as a man who claims and receives gifts, as if he were a deity on earth. Whichever sense we give to the phrase, the contrast lies between the inflexibly upright ruler and the iniquitous or extortionate prince. The Septuagint gives <span class="greek">παράνομος</span>, "a transgressor;" Vulgate, <span class="accented">vir avarus</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/29-4.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">By justice</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭מִשְׁפָּט</span> <span class="translit">(bə·miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֗לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gives stability</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲמִ֣יד</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·mîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the land,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֑רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a man</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who exacts tribute</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּרוּמ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(tə·rū·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8641.htm">Strong's 8641: </a> </span><span class="str2">Contribution, offering (for sacred uses)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">demolishes it.</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶֽהֶרְסֶֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ye·her·sen·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/29-4.htm">Proverbs 29:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:4 The king by justice makes the land (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 29:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/29-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 29:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:5" /></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>