Proverbs 29:4
Proverbs 29:4 in Multiple Translations
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.
A king who rules justly makes the country secure, but one who asks for bribes will destroy it.
A King by iudgement mainteineth ye countrey: but a man receiuing giftes, destroyeth it.
A king by judgment establisheth a land, And one receiving gifts throweth it down.
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.
When a king rules justly/fairly, he causes his nation to be strong, but a king who is concerned only with getting more money from the people ruins his nation.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 29:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֶ֗לֶךְ
בְּ֭/מִשְׁפָּט
יַעֲמִ֣יד
אָ֑רֶץ
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
תְּרוּמ֣וֹת
יֶֽהֶרְסֶֽ/נָּה
מֶ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
בְּ֭/מִשְׁפָּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
יַעֲמִ֣יד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
תְּרוּמ֣וֹת
tᵉrûwmâh
H8641
contribution
N-fp
יֶֽהֶרְסֶֽ/נָּה
hâraç
H2040
to overthrow
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:4
מֶ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
בְּ֭/מִשְׁפָּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
יַעֲמִ֣יד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
תְּרוּמ֣וֹת
tᵉrûwmâh
H8641
"contribution"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a contribution or offering given to God, often as part of a sacrifice or tribute. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers, where it describes the gifts the Israelites gave to God. This word highlights the importance of giving to God.
Definition: 1) contribution, offering 1a) a heave offering 1b) any offering 1c) an offering to God 1d) an offering (of grain, money, etc) 1e) contribution
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: gift, heave offering (shoulder), oblation, offered(-ing). See also: Exodus 25:2; Numbers 31:29; Proverbs 29:4.
יֶֽהֶרְסֶֽ/נָּה
hâraç
H2040
"to overthrow"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to overthrow or destroy something, like breaking down a wall or throwing something to the ground. It is used to describe God's power and judgment.
Definition: 1) to tear down, break down, overthrow, beat down, break, break through, destroy, pluck down, pull down, throw down, ruined, destroyer, utterly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to throw down, tear down 1a2) to break through 1a3) to break down, break away 1b) (Niphal) to be torn down, be thrown down 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to overthrow, tear down 1c2) destroyer (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break (down, through), destroy, overthrow, pluck down, pull down, ruin, throw down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 15:7; Isaiah 49:17; Psalms 11:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:4
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:14 | A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:8 | A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes. |
| 3 | Daniel 11:20 | In his place one will arise who will send out a tax collector for the glory of the kingdom; but within a few days he will be destroyed, though not in anger or in battle. |
| 4 | Micah 7:3 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 22:13–17 | “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. He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 9:8 | Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on His throne to be king for the LORD your God. Because your God loved Israel enough to establish them forever, He has made you king over them to carry out justice and righteousness.” |
| 7 | Psalms 99:4 | The mighty King loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:12 | Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness. |
| 9 | Isaiah 49:8 | This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances, |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 13:13 | “You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. |
Proverbs 29:4 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 29:4, teaches us that when a king or leader is fair and just, it brings peace and stability to the land, as we also see in Psalms 72:1-7, which describes a king who rules with justice and righteousness, bringing prosperity to his people. On the other hand, when a leader is unfair and takes advantage of their people, it leads to destruction and chaos. This principle applies not just to kings, but to anyone in a position of leadership or authority, reminding us of the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness, as instructed in Matthew 7:12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of justice is being referred to in Proverbs 29:4?
The justice in this verse refers to fairness and righteousness in leadership, as seen in leaders who follow God's commands, such as those found in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, which guides kings to follow God's law and not oppress their people.
How does a king bring stability to the land through justice?
A king brings stability by making fair decisions, protecting the weak, and punishing the wicked, as described in Proverbs 31:8-9, which shows a king speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves and defending the rights of the poor and needy.
What is meant by a man who exacts tribute in Proverbs 29:4?
A man who exacts tribute refers to a leader who uses their power to take unfair advantage of their people, similar to the warning in Proverbs 28:16, which says that a ruler who is cruel and oppressive will be replaced, highlighting the transience of unrighteous leadership.
What are the consequences of a leader exacting tribute, according to Proverbs 29:4?
The consequences of a leader exacting tribute are the demolition of the land, implying economic, social, and moral ruin, as seen in the example of Israel's history, where oppressive leadership led to their downfall, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8:18, where the people are warned about the dangers of a king who does not follow God's ways.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, as a follower of God, promote justice in my own sphere of influence, whether at home, in my community, or in my workplace?
- What are some ways that leaders in my life, such as government officials or church leaders, can apply the principle of justice from Proverbs 29:4 to bring stability and prosperity?
- In what ways can I personally support and pray for leaders who are seeking to apply God's principles of justice and righteousness in their decision-making?
- How can I recognize and stand against systems or individuals that exact tribute or oppress the weak, and instead promote fairness and compassion?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:4
The king by judgment establisheth the land,.... By executing, judgment and justice among his subjects, he establishes the laws of the land, and the government of it; he secures its peace and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:4
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. He that receiveth gifts overthroweth it - literally, 'a man of oblations.' Terumoth is elsewhere sacred oblations.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
By judgment; by the free and impartial exercise of justice. He that receiveth gifts, Heb. a man (for he would not vouchsafe to call him a king, as being unworthy of that name and office) of oblations or gifts, i.e. whose delight and common practice it is to take bribes, and sell justice.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
Proverbs 29:4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.Ver. 4. The king by judgment stablisheth the land.] This one piece of Solomon’ s politics hath much more good advice in it than all Lypsius’ s Beehive, or Machiavel’ s Spider web. But he that receiveth gifts.] Heb., A man of oblations; that is, as some interpret it, a man that sacreligiously meddleth with things dedicated to pious uses, and makes a gain of them to himself. See Proverbs 20:25.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
(4) By judgment.—Upright decisions. He that receiveth gifts.—To pervert justice (Proverbs 15:27).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
Verse 4. He that receiveth gifts] This was notoriously the case in this kingdom, before the passing of the Magna Charta, or great charter of liberties. Hence that article in it, Nulli vendemus justitiam; "We will not sell justice to any." I have met with cases in our ancient records where, in order to get his right, a man was obliged almost to ruin himself in presents to the king, queen, and their favourites, to get the case decided in his favour.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:4
4. receiveth] The R.V., exacteth, is scarcely an improvement, for it is enough to “overthrow the land” that the king be open to receive gifts. The Heb., a man of offerings, will bear either sense. The rendering of R.V. marg., that imposeth tribute, sacrifices the contrast in the two members of the proverb, between the impartial administration of justice and the venality and corruption which are the curse of Oriental courts.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:4
4. By judgment — Administrative justice. He that receiveth gifts — “A man of exactions, or of oblations, exacts tribute.” — Conant. “Is fond of bribes.” — Zockler.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
|
Deserting Principal for Convenience by Ernest Woodhouse | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 29 and discusses the importance of standing up for principles and doing what is right, rather than what is convenient. He highlight |
|
Pray for Kings - Part 6 by Chip Brogden | This sermon delves into the biblical framework and reasons behind God's institution of secular authority, emphasizing the importance of spiritual, criminal, civil, and social justi |
|
(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve |
|
|
Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 11 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy in the book of Daniel regarding the rise and fall of kings in Persia and Greece. The angel reveals that there will be three kings |
|
Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |
|
Jeremiah 22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses God's complaints against the leaders and prophets in Jeremiah 22, emphasizing how the kings have exploited their positions for personal gain, leading to spiri |