Proverbs 29:4
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Original Language Analysis
בְּ֭מִשְׁפָּט
by judgment
H4941
בְּ֭מִשְׁפָּט
by judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
יַעֲמִ֣יד
establisheth
H5975
יַעֲמִ֣יד
establisheth
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
3 of 7
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
וְאִ֖ישׁ
but he
H376
וְאִ֖ישׁ
but he
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Proverbs 29:14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.Proverbs 20:8A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.Daniel 11:20Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.Micah 7:3That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
Historical Context
Mosaic law forbade bribes (Exodus 23:8), recognizing their corrupting power. Israel's prophets condemned corrupt judges (Isaiah 1:23, Micah 3:11). When justice failed, national collapse followed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see corruption undermining justice and stability in contemporary society?
- If you hold positions of authority, are you scrupulously free from corrupting influences?
- What can you do to promote just governance in your spheres of influence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A king establishes land by judgment, but one who receives 'gifts' (Hebrew 'terumah'—contributions/bribes) overthrows it. The Hebrew 'amad' (establish) versus 'haras' (overthrow/tear down) create stark alternatives. Just rule stabilizes; corrupt rule destroys. The word 'terumah' can mean offering or bribe; context suggests corruption. Reformed theology insists on impartial justice as foundation for stable society. When rulers accept bribes, justice perverts and society collapses. This applies to all leadership—justice establishes, corruption destroys.