Proverbs 29:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.

NIV: If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.

NASB: If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.

CSB: A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.

NLT: If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever.

KJV: The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

NKJV: The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.

Short statements of common sense, or general-case truths, are called "proverbs." Few are absolutes or divine guarantees. Much as a doctor might say, "eat healthy and you will live longer," these lessons make a point that's easy to understand in its general meaning. This statement is the same; a righteous ruler may be conquered or assassinated, but for the most part those known for fairness and justice will be defended by their people. Tyrants and corrupt officials are much more likely to face opposition.

This verse repeats the common command to be impartial in judgment (Proverbs 18:5; 24:23) and care for those who are disadvantaged (Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 28:27). It also uses a Hebrew word which means something more than a lack of money. The term translated "poor" here means something weak, lowly, or powerless (Proverbs 29:7). A good king—or a good judge—will not favor the rich and powerful over the weak or poor.

The book of Exodus establishes rules for judges. "You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit" (Exodus 23:6). It forbids a judge from accepting a bribe, because a bribe "subverts the cause of those who are in the right" (Exodus 23:8). Psalm 82:3–4 commands: "Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Proverbs 31:9 also commands proper treatment of the poor: "Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Proverbs 29:12–27 completes the collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:21). This passage discusses various relationships. Common themes are interactions with government leaders, parental discipline, and authority figures. Solomon also makes comments about pride and the inherent conflict between righteousness and evil.

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

This concludes the collection of Solomon's proverbs which King Hezekiah's men collected (Proverbs 25:1). Like previous passages, chapter 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, the benefits of heeding God's law and the devastating consequences of disobeying it, and the blessings of righteousness compared to the curses of sin.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.