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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 29:2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/29-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_29_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 29:2 - The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/29-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/29-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/29.htm">Chapter 29</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" 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="/ad2.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/29-1.htm" title="Proverbs 29:1">◄</a> Proverbs 29:2 <a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm" title="Proverbs 29:3">►</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 />When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked <i>man</i> rules, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked person rules, people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When the righteous increase, the people are glad, But when a wicked man rules, people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous are in authority <i>and</i> become great, the people rejoice; But when the wicked man rules, the people groan <i>and</i> sigh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When justice rules a nation, everyone is glad; when injustice rules, everyone groans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice: but when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When righteous people increase, the people [of God] rejoice, but when a wicked person rules, everybody groans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Show me a righteous ruler and I will show you a happy people. Show me a wicked ruler and I will show you a miserable people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As the righteous grow powerful, people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, "" And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In the increasing of the just the people will rejoice: and in the ruling of the unjust one the people will groan.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the just flourish, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When the righteous are many, the people increase; but when the wicked are in authority, the people groan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />By the multitude of the righteous, the people increase, and by the authority of the evil, the people will groan.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when the wicked beareth rule, the people sigh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />When the righteous are praised, the people will rejoice: but when the ungodly rule, men mourn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/29-2.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=5931" 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">1</span>A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dî·qîm (Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">When the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: bir·ḇō·wṯ (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">flourish,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: yiś·maḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">rejoice,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">but when the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: ū·ḇim·šōl (Conj-w, Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">rule,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘ām (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/584.htm" title="584: yê·’ā·naḥ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To sigh, groan. A primitive root; to sigh.">groan.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.…<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="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Proverbs 11:10-11</a></span><br />When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. / By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Proverbs 28:12</a></span><br />When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28</a></span><br />When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:5-7</a></span><br />There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler: / Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. / I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-1.htm">Isaiah 32:1-2</a></span><br />Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. / Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-17.htm">Isaiah 32:17-18</a></span><br />The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. / Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1-3</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, / to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3-4</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. / For if you will indeed carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will enter through the gates of this palace riding on chariots and horses—they and their officials and their people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5-6</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.<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="/psalms/125-3.htm">Psalm 125:3</a></span><br />For the scepter of the wicked will not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous will not put forth their hands to injustice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/146-7.htm">Psalm 146:7-9</a></span><br />He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, / the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous. / The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-18</a></span><br />He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">2 Samuel 23:3-4</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, / is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/12-3.htm">Daniel 12:3</a></span><br />Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn.</p><p class="hdg">the righteous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Proverbs 11:10</a></b></br> When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, <i>there is</i> shouting.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Proverbs 28:12,28</a></b></br> When righteous <i>men</i> do rejoice, <i>there is</i> great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Esther 8:15</a></b></br> And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.</p><p class="hdg">in authority or when the wicked</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15</a></b></br> She <i>is</i> more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:5</a></b></br> There is an evil <i>which</i> I have seen under the sun, as an error <i>which</i> proceedeth from the ruler:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">Matthew 2:3,16</a></b></br> When Herod the king had heard <i>these things</i>, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-18.htm">Beareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-11.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-29.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Groan</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Multiplying</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/psalms/90-9.htm">Sigh</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Thrive</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/songs/6-6.htm">Beareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-21.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-8.htm">Groan</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Multiplying</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-6.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-7.htm">Sigh</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Thrive</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Wicked</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: 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to a time when those who live according to God's laws and principles are in positions of influence and leadership. Biblically, righteousness is often associated with justice, mercy, and humility (<a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>). The flourishing of the righteous can be seen in the reign of King David, who, despite his flaws, was a man after God's own heart (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). His leadership brought prosperity and peace to Israel. The concept of flourishing is also tied to the blessings promised in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a> for obedience to God's commandments. In a broader sense, the flourishing of the righteous can be seen as a type of Christ's future reign, where perfect justice and peace will prevail (<a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a>).<p><b>the people rejoice</b><br>When righteous leaders are in power, the people experience joy and contentment. This joy is not merely emotional but is rooted in the security, justice, and prosperity that come from godly governance. The rejoicing of the people can be compared to the joy experienced during the reign of Solomon, when Israel was at the height of its power and wealth (<a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20-25</a>). This phrase also echoes the joy of the early church in Acts, where the righteous leadership of the apostles led to communal harmony and growth (<a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46-47</a>).<p><b>but when the wicked rule</b><br>The rule of the wicked is characterized by corruption, injustice, and oppression. Historically, the Bible provides numerous examples of wicked rulers, such as King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, whose reigns brought suffering and idolatry to Israel (<a href="/1_kings/16-30.htm">1 Kings 16:30-33</a>). The wicked rule is often marked by a departure from God's laws, leading to societal decay. This phrase serves as a warning against ungodly leadership and the consequences it brings. It also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of wickedness in the eschatological sense, where Christ will return to establish His righteous kingdom (<a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-16</a>).<p><b>the people groan</b><br>The groaning of the people under wicked rule reflects the suffering and oppression they endure. This groaning is not just physical but also spiritual, as the people long for justice and deliverance. The groaning can be likened to the Israelites' suffering under Pharaoh in Egypt, where their cries for deliverance were heard by God (<a href="/exodus/2-23.htm">Exodus 2:23-25</a>). It also parallels the groaning of creation awaiting redemption, as described in <a href="/romans/8-22.htm">Romans 8:22-23</a>. This phrase highlights the deep yearning for righteous leadership and the ultimate hope found in Christ, who will wipe away every tear and bring eternal peace (<a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live according to God's laws and principles. They are often contrasted with the wicked and are seen as a source of blessing and joy for the community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Those who act in opposition to God's will and principles. Their rule is characterized by injustice, oppression, and moral decay, leading to suffering and groaning among the people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a></b><br>The general populace who experience the direct impact of the leadership and governance of either the righteous or the wicked.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rejoicing_and_groaning.htm">Rejoicing and Groaning</a></b><br>These are the responses of the people to the leadership they are under. Rejoicing signifies happiness and prosperity, while groaning indicates suffering and distress.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_righteous_leadership.htm">The Impact of Righteous Leadership</a></b><br>Righteous leaders bring about a society where justice, peace, and prosperity thrive. Their influence extends beyond personal morality to societal well-being.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_wicked_rule.htm">The Consequences of Wicked Rule</a></b><br>Wicked rulers lead to societal decay, oppression, and suffering. Their leadership results in a community that groans under the weight of injustice and moral corruption.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_community.htm">The Role of the Community</a></b><br>The community's response to leadership is a reflection of the moral and spiritual health of the society. Rejoicing or groaning can serve as indicators of the effectiveness and righteousness of leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer_for_leaders.htm">The Importance of Prayer for Leaders</a></b><br>Christians are called to pray for their leaders, seeking God's guidance and wisdom for them, so that they may lead in righteousness and bring about peace and joy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_responsibility_in_leadership.htm">Personal Responsibility in Leadership</a></b><br>Whether in positions of authority or in everyday life, individuals are called to lead with integrity and righteousness, influencing their spheres positively.<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/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/why_support_leaders_against_biblical_values.htm">Why do many Christians support political leaders who contradict biblical values?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_let_innocents_suffer.htm">How can a just God allow the innocent to suffer alongside the wicked, as implied in Job 35:14–16? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_goal_of_project_2025.htm">What is the goal of Project 2025?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When the righteous are in authority;</span> rather, as in <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Proverbs 28:28</a>, <span class="accented">when the righteous are increased</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">in multiplicatione justorum</span>. When sinners are put away, and the righteous are in the majority. Septuagint, "when the just are commended." When good men give the tone to society and conduct all affairs according to their own high standard, the peoople rejoice; there is general happiness; prosperity abounds, and voices ring cheerfully (<a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Proverbs 11:10</a>; <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Proverbs 28:12</a>). <span class="cmt_word">When the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn;</span> they suffer violence and injustice, and have bitter cause for complaint and lamentation. This proverb is not applicable to the age of Solomon. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/29-2.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">When the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֭דִּיקִים</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flourish,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּרְב֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bir·ḇō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rejoice,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂמַ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·maḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> </span><span class="str2">To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but when the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֝שָׁ֗ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<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 /><br /><span class="word">rule,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבִמְשֹׁ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇim·šōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">עָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">groan.</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵאָ֥נַֽח</span> <span class="translit">(yê·’ā·naḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_584.htm">Strong's 584: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sigh, groan</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous thrive the people rejoice (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 29:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 29:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:3" /></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>