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Proverbs 29:18
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
18 Without a revelation a people becomes ungovernable; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Regarding the importance of this proverb for estimating the relation of the Chokma to prophecy, vid., vol. i. p. 41. חזון is, according to the sense, equivalent to נבוּאה, the prophetic revelation in itself, and as the contents of that which is proclaimed. Without spiritual preaching, proceeding from spiritual experience, a people is unrestrained (יפּרע, vid., regarding the punctuation at Pro 28:25, and regarding the fundamental meaning, at Pro 1:25); it becomes פּרע, disorderly, Exo 32:25; wild und wst, as Luther translates. But in the second line, according to the unity of the antithesis, the words are spoken of the people, not of individuals. It is therefore not to be explained, with Hitzig: but whoever, in such a time, nevertheless holds to the law, it is well with him! Without doubt this proverb was coined at a time when the preaching of the prophets was in vogue; and therefore this, "but whoever, notwithstanding," is untenable; such a thought at that time could not at all arise; and besides this, תורה is in the Book of Proverbs a moveable conception, which is covered at least by the law in contradistinction to prophecy. Tôra denotes divine teaching, the word of God; whether that of the Sinaitic or that of the prophetic law (Ch2 15:3, cf. e.g., Isa 1:10). While, on the one hand, a people is in a dissolute condition when the voice of the preacher, speaking from divine revelation, and enlightening their actions and sufferings by God's word, is silent amongst them (Psa 74:9, cf. Amo 8:12); on the other hand, that same people are to be praised as happy when they show due reverence and fidelity to the word of God, both as written and as preached. That the word of God is preached among a people belongs to their condition of life; and they are only truly happy when they earnestly and willingly subordinate themselves to the word of God which they possess and have the opportunity of hearing. אשׁרהוּ (defective for אשׁריהוּ) is the older, and here the poetic kindred form to אשׁריו, Pro 14:21; Pro 16:20.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
no vision--instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (Sa1 3:1). people perish--(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints. keepeth the law--has, and observes, instruction (Pro 14:11, Pro 14:34; Psa 19:11).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Where there is no vision, the people perish,.... That is, "no prophecy", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; and which is often the sense of the word, as the vision of Isaiah is the prophecy of Isaiah; and, in the New Testament, prophesying is often put for preaching; and here vision, or prophecy, signifies the public ministering of the word and ordinances, and want of persons to administer them; no expounder, as the Septuagint version; or interpreter, as the Arabic. This was the case in the latter end of Eli's life, Sa1 3:1; in Asa's times, and before, Ch2 15:3; in the Babylonish captivity, Eze 7:26; in the times of Antiochus, Psa 74:9; when John the Baptist and Christ first came preaching the word, Mat 9:36; and now is the case of the Jews, and will be till the time of their conversion. So it was in the Gentile world, before the Gospel was brought into it, Act 17:30; and so it now is in those places where the seven churches of Asia were; and in all Asia, which once heard the word of the Lord, even all that large country; and now it is not heard at all in it, but covered with Mahometan darkness. And this is the case in all Popish countries, subject to the see of Rome, where the word of God is not preached to the people, nor suffered so much as to be read by them; and even in reformed churches, for the most part, only a little morality is preached, and not the Gospel of Christ; so that here the people are perishing for lack of knowledge, Hos 4:6; and when the witnesses will be slain, who now prophesy in sackcloth, there will he an entire stop put to prophesying or preaching for a while; but, when they shall rise, the earth will be filled with the knowledge of God, through the ministry of the word. Now, where there is no preaching, men perish in their sins; the word being the ordinary means of grace, of regeneration, conversion, faith, and salvation; without which, men know nothing of Christ, of peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life by him: and where there is preaching, yet it not being of the right kind, there is no spiritual knowledge spread by it, no food for souls under it; they perish with hunger, as the prodigal did, or are in starving and famishing circumstances; no comfort for the people of God, who perish in their comforts under such a ministry, Co1 8:11; and poison is spread among others; false doctrine eats as a canker, and destroys souls. Again, where there is right vision and prophecy, or true preaching of the word, and that is despised and neglected, men perish notwithstanding; as the Jews of old, and all deniers and contemners of the word now, Act 13:41; and this seems to be intended here, as appears by the following clause. The word translated "perish" has various senses, which agree with the text. It may be rendered, "the people become idle", or "cease" (s); from the performance of good works, grow dissolute in their manners, and licentious in their practices: or "they become refractory" (t); fierce, obstinate, and ungovernable, and rebel against their superiors: or they are "made naked" (u); stripped of their ornaments; of their privileges, civil as well as religious, which is often the case where no vision is; as well as of all virtue and morality, and of the blessing and protection of God; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he: not the moral law, which no man can keep perfectly, but the law of faith. It may be rendered, "happy is he that observes doctrine" (w); the doctrine of the Gospel, where it is preached; that attends to it, values and esteems it, receives it by faith, and with meekness; blessed is he, blessed are his eyes and ears; he sees wondrous things out of this law or doctrine, and he hears and knows the joyful sound, which brings salvation and eternal life unto him! (s) "feriabitur", Montanus. (t) "Rebellis erit", Pagninus; "retroagitur", Mercerus; "defecit, recedit", Vatablus; "refractarius", Gejerus. (u) "Nadatur", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Michaelis; "denudatur", Cocceius; "cessabit et otiosus erit, deficiet et retrocedit atque denudatur", Baynus. (w) "qui observat legem", i. e. "verbum Dei", Cocceius; "doctrinam", Amama.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
See here, I. The misery of the people that want a settled ministry: Where there is no vision, no prophet to expound the law, no priest or Levite to teach the good knowledge of the Lord, no means of grace, the word of the Lord is scarce, there is no open vision (Sa1 3:1), where it is so the people perish; the word has many significations, any of which will apply here. 1. The people are made naked, stripped of their ornaments and so exposed to shame, stripped of their armour and so exposed to danger. How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers, and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! 2. The people rebel, not only against God, but against their prince; good preaching would make people good subjects, but, for want of it, they are turbulent and factious, and despise dominions, because they know no better. 3. The people are idle, or they play, as the scholars are apt to do when the master is absent; they do nothing to any good purpose, but stand all the day idle, and sporting in the market-place, for want of instruction what to do and how to do it. 4. They are scattered as sheep having no shepherd, for want of the masters of assemblies to call them and keep them together, Mar 6:34. They are scattered from God and their duty by apostasies, from one another by divisions; God is provoked to scatter them by his judgments, Ch2 15:3, Ch2 15:5. 5. They perish; they are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hos 4:6. See what reason we have to be thankful to God for the plenty of open vision which we enjoy. II. The felicity of a people that have not only a settled, but a successful ministry among them, the people that hear and keep the law, among whom religion is uppermost; happy are such a people and every particular person among them. It is not having the law, but obeying it, and living up to it, that will entitle us to blessedness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
29:18 The wise accept divine guidance from God’s law, the guide to his will.
Proverbs 29:18
The Flourishing of the Righteous
17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. 18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"America Rejecting the Light"
By Leonard Ravenhill13K00:142CH 7:14PRO 29:18ISA 59:2JER 18:7ROM 1:21This sermon delves into the concept of God's potential withdrawal of protection from a nation that has been abundantly blessed but has turned away from Him. It explores the idea that when a society consistently rejects the light and truth it has been given, there may come a point where God removes His hand of favor and protection.
Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill8.3K1:00:03Book ReviewsPSA 90:12PRO 29:18MAT 6:332CO 6:2EPH 2:6HEB 4:12HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past sins and the transformation he experienced when he realized his own depravity. He mentions going to jail multiple times and living a life of disbelief in heaven. The speaker also discusses the powerful sermon by Jonathan Edwards called "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and how it impacted the congregation. He emphasizes the need for preachers to weep over people going to hell and highlights the importance of studying the lives of great preachers and church history to be moved towards revival.
(Heavenly Vision) 1 - the Necessity of Heavenly Vision
By Stephen Kaung8.1K1:18:31GEN 1:3PRO 29:18ACT 9:32CO 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that every person has a master, and that master is God. He explains that we are born into this world with a purpose, which is to serve God's will. However, many people fail to understand this and live their lives for their own satisfaction, forgetting about God. The preacher highlights the importance of having a heavenly vision and being united in purpose as children of God. He also mentions the transformative power of God's grace, comparing it to a heavenly light that illuminates our lives and guides us out of darkness.
Christian Growth - Part 1
By Alan Redpath5.0K15:00PSA 46:10PRO 29:18ISA 40:31MAT 6:33MRK 4:24JHN 5:1ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for God to intervene and perform miracles in our lives. He compares the audience to a mini pool of Bethesda, where people with different needs and struggles gather, all waiting for a miracle. The speaker acknowledges the responsibility of ministry and expresses a desire for the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. He also addresses the personal struggles and lack of growth that some individuals may be experiencing, urging them to seek a fresh touch from God. Overall, the sermon encourages the audience to prioritize their relationship with God and rely on His intervention in their lives.
(Godly Home) Part 4 - a Vision That Motivates
By Denny Kenaston4.3K40:00Godly Home SeriesGEN 18:19PRO 29:18MAT 6:33ACT 20:24EPH 3:20COL 1:29HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision that sustains and motivates us in our spiritual journey. He highlights the encouraging words found in Ephesians 3:20, which remind us that God is full of power and able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think. The speaker urges listeners to personally experience this power working within them, just as Paul did, so that they can reach their full potential. He also discusses the consequences of not having a spiritual vision, which can lead to a cooling of the heart, a distancing from God, and a degeneration of society. The speaker encourages listeners to pass on their spiritual vision to future generations, as seen in the example of godly fathers in Israel.
The Mercy & Grace of God
By Paul Washer4.3K1:13:37PSA 119:105PRO 29:18ISA 54:13MAT 7:7MAT 22:37ROM 12:11PE 1:14In this sermon, the speaker urges the audience to present their bodies as living and holy sacrifices to God. He emphasizes the importance of passionately pursuing God and not being afraid to burn out for Him. The speaker encourages the audience to seek guidance from the Bible in all aspects of their lives, including relationships and finances. He also highlights the need to separate oneself from wickedness and be aware of the snares set by the evil one in the world.
Biblical Courtship Session #2: The Parent's Responsibility in the Home
By Paul Washer3.6K1:00:20Biblical CourtshipPRO 29:18HOS 4:6MAT 23:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we cannot make ourselves love God more through our own efforts. Just as we do nothing to make a beautiful sunset take our breath away, we cannot force ourselves to love God more. Instead, the key to loving God more is to know more about Him, as He is altogether lovely. The speaker also highlights the importance of seeking God's knowledge in His Word, as a lack of knowledge can hinder our walk with Christ. Additionally, the speaker urges men to prioritize their role as spiritual leaders in their families, teaching their wives and children about God's Word and ensuring their spiritual well-being.
The Glory of God and the Image of Jealousy
By Carter Conlon3.4K1:00:19JealouslyPRO 29:18EZK 8:17EZK 9:4EZK 11:16ROM 1:322CO 3:182CO 4:6In this sermon, the preacher warns the congregation about the dangers of turning away from God and indulging in sinful behavior. He emphasizes that those who take pleasure in wickedness and do not retain God in their knowledge will face consequences. The preacher references the story of Ezekiel, where God instructs him to set a mark on those who sigh and cry for the abominations being committed. He also highlights the importance of having a true sight of the divine presence and the role of the Holy Spirit in restraining lawlessness. The sermon concludes with a call to put away false idols and turn to the true husband, Jesus Christ, and to seek the glory of God in our lives.
Biblical Headship
By Paul Washer3.3K56:29HeadshipPRO 29:18HOS 4:6MAT 6:331TH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and following God's direction. He references Hosea 4:6, which states that God's people are destroyed due to a lack of knowledge. The speaker also discusses the role of fathers in providing for their families, debunking the idea that material possessions are the most important thing to give. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from failure, highlighting the need for quality time and the inability to have it all. The sermon also touches on the consequences of God's judgment on a nation, where authority is flipped and unworthy individuals are placed in positions of leadership.
New Life Baptist Church - Part 6
By Paul Washer3.2K1:26:24PRO 29:18REV 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a purposeful life. He challenges the audience to consider what they want to live for and encourages them to serve the Lord and their generation. The preacher also emphasizes the significance of being actively involved in a local church and using one's talents and abilities to make a difference. He highlights the need for self-reflection and acknowledges that God knows our deeds, both the ones we hide and the ones we are unaware of. The sermon concludes with a reminder to prioritize listening to God and seeking His ways above worldly pursuits.
What Jesus Wants for His Church
By Vance Havner3.2K26:42LukewarmnessPRO 29:18ISA 61:10MAT 6:33LUK 15:201TI 6:171PE 1:7REV 3:18In this sermon, the preacher addresses the current state of society, which is filled with scandal, filth, and a lack of moral values. He emphasizes the need for individuals to lift their sights and recognize their spiritual poverty, blindness, and nakedness. The preacher shares his personal experience of going through a difficult period in his life while also experiencing spiritual growth. He then references the city of Laodicea, known for its wealth, clothing market, and medical school, and relates it to the needs of the church. The preacher concludes by highlighting the importance of being rich in Jesus, understanding the true value of what we have in Him, and seeking spiritual wealth, clothing, and vision.
Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 3
By Leonard Ravenhill3.1K21:06VisionGEN 4:8GEN 6:9PSA 24:3PSA 29:2PRO 29:18LUK 11:51REV 3:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and being filled with compassion. He refers to the story of Isaiah, who had a vision of God and recognized his own depravity and duty to the world. The speaker also shares a powerful story of a woman who, despite living in a corrupt and sinful environment, was able to lead people to God through her prayers and compassion. The sermon concludes with a call to seek a deeper relationship with God and to expect great things from Him.
What a Man Is Not
By Paul Washer3.0K1:09:43Biblical ManhoodDEU 6:5JDG 17:6PRO 29:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in scripture in order to renew the mind and avoid being conformed to the world. He highlights the danger of being influenced by a worldly atmosphere and urges listeners to prioritize their time with God's word over other distractions. The speaker also references the biblical verse Judges 17:6, which describes a time when there was no authority and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. He warns against the destruction of civilization and the removal of essential institutions, emphasizing the need for individuals to prioritize their spiritual well-being and consider the bigger questions of life and culture.
Chapel of the Air - Interview With Dr. Orr (Part 2)
By J. Edwin Orr2.9K15:33Interview1KI 18:412CH 7:14PRO 29:18HAB 2:2ACT 1:8EPH 5:18JAS 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching and the impact it has had on people's lives. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and how it precedes revival, using the example of Elijah's prayer for rain in drought-stricken Israel. The speaker also highlights the significance of having a vision of what God can do and the importance of claiming the promises of God in prayer. He mentions the success of a revival movement in Nagaland, India, where society improved as a result of the movement of the Lord.
Charlotte Seminar 5-26-00 Am
By George Warnock2.6K1:19:20SeminarPRO 29:18MAT 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the harvest and the end result of God's work. He compares the time of soaring, which is good, to the harvest, which is even better. The preacher highlights that God is the gardener and He is waiting for the precious fruit of the earth. The sermon also emphasizes the need for rain, symbolizing God's blessings and truth, in order for God to have fruit in the end. The preacher concludes by discussing the example of Jesus as a bondslayer who learned obedience and encourages the audience to strive for intense light and obedience to God's will.
A Vision of My Mission (Field)—part 1
By Aaron Hurst2.6K1:24:46Purpose Of LifeGEN 2:24PSA 40:2PRO 29:18EPH 5:251PE 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission and vision in life. He asks thought-provoking questions about the purpose of our existence and the goals we have as individuals. The speaker highlights that as Christians, our ultimate mission is to glorify God and exalt Him in all aspects of our lives. He also discusses the mission within marriage, emphasizing the importance of loving our spouses as Christ loves the church. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his excitement about the vision and steps towards fulfilling it that he has seen within the church community.
Principles of Courtship
By Paul Washer2.5K1:01:01CourtshipJDG 17:6PSA 119:11PRO 3:5PRO 29:18MAT 6:33ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of courtship and marriage according to the principles found in the Bible. He highlights the need for young people to be regenerated and conformed to the image of Christ before entering into a relationship. The speaker encourages individuals to submit every aspect of their lives to scripture and to strive for a marriage that brings glory to God. He also acknowledges the challenges of navigating courtship in a culture that is unfamiliar with biblical principles, cautioning against swinging too far in either direction and building systems that are not rooted in scripture.
Hinderances to Beholding Him
By Alan Martin2.5K00:00HinderancesPSA 27:8PRO 29:182CO 3:182CO 4:4GAL 5:22HEB 12:11PE 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision of Jesus in order to avoid perishing and living a purposeless life. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke chapter 10 is used as an example of how distractions and worldly concerns can hinder our vision of Christ. The preacher urges the audience to lay aside anything that belongs to the sinful nature and to run in the Spirit. The sermon also highlights the failure of the Israelites in the wilderness, despite being delivered from Egypt and experiencing God's provision, due to their aimless wandering and lack of vision.
(Romans) Condemnation Justification Sanctification
By Willie Mullan2.1K56:13CondemnationPRO 29:18MAT 6:33ACT 3:6ROM 3:20ROM 6:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses two important aspects of living for God: identification with Christ and calculation in Christ. He gives an example of a young man who, after being condemned as a sinner, embraces the gospel and is justified by faith. The preacher emphasizes the significance of justification by faith alone and encourages listeners to hold steadfast to this doctrine. He also urges believers to surrender all aspects of their lives to God, including their lips, hands, feet, eyes, and ears. The sermon concludes with the reminder that living for God requires continuous dedication and yielding to Him.
When Prophets Return to the Gate
By Carter Conlon2.0K48:57ProphetsEXO 15:22PRO 29:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not ignoring or passing by suffering that we encounter in our daily lives. He highlights the significance of displaying love to one another as a way to bring God and Christ to reputation. The speaker also discusses the biblical story of the Israelites finding bitter water in the wilderness, drawing parallels to our own spiritual journey and the need for a vision of God. He encourages the audience to seek a deeper understanding of God's image and to allow Him to expand their borders, growing in faith and bringing Christ's reputation to every aspect of their lives.
Marriage and the Gospel
By Paul Washer2.0K1:19:50MarriageDEU 4:2PRO 29:18ISA 3:1MAT 22:37ROM 8:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a holistic life that encompasses the intellect, soul, and body. He encourages listeners to use their God-given abilities to serve others and give their lives away. The speaker references a Bible verse from John 12:24-25, highlighting the idea that by dying to oneself, one can bear much fruit and gain eternal life. He also addresses the issue of men not being heads of their homes, attributing it to the judgment of God upon America and the pursuit of worldly desires. The speaker urges young men to engage in God-honoring labor and find purpose in their work.
(Dreams & Visions of a Godly Home) Holy Dreams & Visions
By Denny Kenaston1.8K58:22Godly Home VisionPRO 29:18MAT 6:33In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of having a vision from God. He uses the analogy of little birds in a nest, highlighting that the bird with its mouth open the widest is the one the mother feeds. He relates this to how God moves His people through vision, motivating them to take action. Brother Denny also shares his personal experience of finding purpose and direction through a vision from God. He encourages young people to seek and be captured by a vision from God, as it brings meaning and purpose to their lives.
(Early Anabaptism) the Anabaptist Vision
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:17:57AnabaptismGEN 6:141SA 3:1PRO 29:18ROM 8:4REV 3:14In this sermon, Peter references the words of the Prophet Joel to explain why it appears that the men are drunk at 9am. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the vision from God and getting serious with Him. Peter challenges the audience to examine their own vision and what is consuming their hearts and lives. He urges them to respond to God's call, whether it be to accept Jesus as their Savior or to recommit themselves to Him.
K-531 Endtime Adversities
By Art Katz1.8K53:07Endtime2CH 20:15PSA 46:1PRO 29:18ISA 41:10MAT 6:33JAS 1:171PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker expresses their feelings of inadequacy and the burden they have for the end times. They reference the book of Joel in the Bible, specifically chapter 2, which speaks about the day of the Lord and the darkness and gloominess that will come. The speaker acknowledges their inability to fully understand or explain the extent of what God's people will face in the end times, but they emphasize the importance of preparation and sounding the alarm. They also mention that there will be crisis and adversity, but God's children will not be exempt and will have His presence with them.
A Spiritual Call
By Jim Binney1.7K1:00:35Calling Of GodPRO 29:18MAT 6:33LUK 5:1LUK 5:4ACT 9:151CO 15:58EPH 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual cause in life. He starts by sharing a story about a fireman who risked his life to save a baby, only to discover it was just a doll. The preacher warns that sincerity alone is not enough, and that we will be held accountable by God for what we have committed our lives to. He urges the audience not to waste their lives and to seek a spiritual cause. The sermon also references a survey where many Americans expressed a desire to know their purpose in life, and highlights the need for young people to devote themselves to a spiritual cause rather than worldly pursuits. The preacher then shares a story about a young boy who questioned why the army was afraid of Goliath, emphasizing the need for young men to dedicate their strength and youth to a spiritual cause. The sermon concludes with a passage from Luke 5, where Peter is transformed from a businessman to a minister of the gospel after a direct encounter with Jesus.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
18 Without a revelation a people becomes ungovernable; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Regarding the importance of this proverb for estimating the relation of the Chokma to prophecy, vid., vol. i. p. 41. חזון is, according to the sense, equivalent to נבוּאה, the prophetic revelation in itself, and as the contents of that which is proclaimed. Without spiritual preaching, proceeding from spiritual experience, a people is unrestrained (יפּרע, vid., regarding the punctuation at Pro 28:25, and regarding the fundamental meaning, at Pro 1:25); it becomes פּרע, disorderly, Exo 32:25; wild und wst, as Luther translates. But in the second line, according to the unity of the antithesis, the words are spoken of the people, not of individuals. It is therefore not to be explained, with Hitzig: but whoever, in such a time, nevertheless holds to the law, it is well with him! Without doubt this proverb was coined at a time when the preaching of the prophets was in vogue; and therefore this, "but whoever, notwithstanding," is untenable; such a thought at that time could not at all arise; and besides this, תורה is in the Book of Proverbs a moveable conception, which is covered at least by the law in contradistinction to prophecy. Tôra denotes divine teaching, the word of God; whether that of the Sinaitic or that of the prophetic law (Ch2 15:3, cf. e.g., Isa 1:10). While, on the one hand, a people is in a dissolute condition when the voice of the preacher, speaking from divine revelation, and enlightening their actions and sufferings by God's word, is silent amongst them (Psa 74:9, cf. Amo 8:12); on the other hand, that same people are to be praised as happy when they show due reverence and fidelity to the word of God, both as written and as preached. That the word of God is preached among a people belongs to their condition of life; and they are only truly happy when they earnestly and willingly subordinate themselves to the word of God which they possess and have the opportunity of hearing. אשׁרהוּ (defective for אשׁריהוּ) is the older, and here the poetic kindred form to אשׁריו, Pro 14:21; Pro 16:20.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
no vision--instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (Sa1 3:1). people perish--(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints. keepeth the law--has, and observes, instruction (Pro 14:11, Pro 14:34; Psa 19:11).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Where there is no vision, the people perish,.... That is, "no prophecy", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; and which is often the sense of the word, as the vision of Isaiah is the prophecy of Isaiah; and, in the New Testament, prophesying is often put for preaching; and here vision, or prophecy, signifies the public ministering of the word and ordinances, and want of persons to administer them; no expounder, as the Septuagint version; or interpreter, as the Arabic. This was the case in the latter end of Eli's life, Sa1 3:1; in Asa's times, and before, Ch2 15:3; in the Babylonish captivity, Eze 7:26; in the times of Antiochus, Psa 74:9; when John the Baptist and Christ first came preaching the word, Mat 9:36; and now is the case of the Jews, and will be till the time of their conversion. So it was in the Gentile world, before the Gospel was brought into it, Act 17:30; and so it now is in those places where the seven churches of Asia were; and in all Asia, which once heard the word of the Lord, even all that large country; and now it is not heard at all in it, but covered with Mahometan darkness. And this is the case in all Popish countries, subject to the see of Rome, where the word of God is not preached to the people, nor suffered so much as to be read by them; and even in reformed churches, for the most part, only a little morality is preached, and not the Gospel of Christ; so that here the people are perishing for lack of knowledge, Hos 4:6; and when the witnesses will be slain, who now prophesy in sackcloth, there will he an entire stop put to prophesying or preaching for a while; but, when they shall rise, the earth will be filled with the knowledge of God, through the ministry of the word. Now, where there is no preaching, men perish in their sins; the word being the ordinary means of grace, of regeneration, conversion, faith, and salvation; without which, men know nothing of Christ, of peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life by him: and where there is preaching, yet it not being of the right kind, there is no spiritual knowledge spread by it, no food for souls under it; they perish with hunger, as the prodigal did, or are in starving and famishing circumstances; no comfort for the people of God, who perish in their comforts under such a ministry, Co1 8:11; and poison is spread among others; false doctrine eats as a canker, and destroys souls. Again, where there is right vision and prophecy, or true preaching of the word, and that is despised and neglected, men perish notwithstanding; as the Jews of old, and all deniers and contemners of the word now, Act 13:41; and this seems to be intended here, as appears by the following clause. The word translated "perish" has various senses, which agree with the text. It may be rendered, "the people become idle", or "cease" (s); from the performance of good works, grow dissolute in their manners, and licentious in their practices: or "they become refractory" (t); fierce, obstinate, and ungovernable, and rebel against their superiors: or they are "made naked" (u); stripped of their ornaments; of their privileges, civil as well as religious, which is often the case where no vision is; as well as of all virtue and morality, and of the blessing and protection of God; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he: not the moral law, which no man can keep perfectly, but the law of faith. It may be rendered, "happy is he that observes doctrine" (w); the doctrine of the Gospel, where it is preached; that attends to it, values and esteems it, receives it by faith, and with meekness; blessed is he, blessed are his eyes and ears; he sees wondrous things out of this law or doctrine, and he hears and knows the joyful sound, which brings salvation and eternal life unto him! (s) "feriabitur", Montanus. (t) "Rebellis erit", Pagninus; "retroagitur", Mercerus; "defecit, recedit", Vatablus; "refractarius", Gejerus. (u) "Nadatur", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Michaelis; "denudatur", Cocceius; "cessabit et otiosus erit, deficiet et retrocedit atque denudatur", Baynus. (w) "qui observat legem", i. e. "verbum Dei", Cocceius; "doctrinam", Amama.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
See here, I. The misery of the people that want a settled ministry: Where there is no vision, no prophet to expound the law, no priest or Levite to teach the good knowledge of the Lord, no means of grace, the word of the Lord is scarce, there is no open vision (Sa1 3:1), where it is so the people perish; the word has many significations, any of which will apply here. 1. The people are made naked, stripped of their ornaments and so exposed to shame, stripped of their armour and so exposed to danger. How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers, and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! 2. The people rebel, not only against God, but against their prince; good preaching would make people good subjects, but, for want of it, they are turbulent and factious, and despise dominions, because they know no better. 3. The people are idle, or they play, as the scholars are apt to do when the master is absent; they do nothing to any good purpose, but stand all the day idle, and sporting in the market-place, for want of instruction what to do and how to do it. 4. They are scattered as sheep having no shepherd, for want of the masters of assemblies to call them and keep them together, Mar 6:34. They are scattered from God and their duty by apostasies, from one another by divisions; God is provoked to scatter them by his judgments, Ch2 15:3, Ch2 15:5. 5. They perish; they are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hos 4:6. See what reason we have to be thankful to God for the plenty of open vision which we enjoy. II. The felicity of a people that have not only a settled, but a successful ministry among them, the people that hear and keep the law, among whom religion is uppermost; happy are such a people and every particular person among them. It is not having the law, but obeying it, and living up to it, that will entitle us to blessedness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
29:18 The wise accept divine guidance from God’s law, the guide to his will.