Proverbs 29:26

¶ Many seek the ruler's favour; but [every] man's judgment [cometh] from the LORD.

Many {H7227} seek {H1245} the ruler's {H4910} favour {H6440}; but every man's {H376} judgment {H4941} cometh from the LORD {H3068}.

Many seek the ruler's favor, but it is from ADONAI that each gets justice.

Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.

Many seek the ruler’s favor; But a man’s judgmentcomethfrom Jehovah.

Commentary

Proverbs 29:26 delivers a profound statement contrasting human ambition with divine sovereignty. It highlights the common human tendency to seek influence and approval from earthly authorities, while simultaneously asserting that the ultimate determination of one's destiny and the true source of justice rests with God alone.

Context

This verse is found within the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom sayings designed to instruct on how to live righteously and wisely. Often, Proverbs contrasts two paths or perspectives. Here, it contrasts the worldly pursuit of influence with the foundational truth of God's ultimate authority. The "ruler" could be a king, a magistrate, or any figure of power in society, common in ancient Israelite life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The core message is God's absolute control over all outcomes. While people may strive to gain favor with earthly leaders for personal gain or protection, it is the Lord who ultimately determines one's fate and the justice of any situation. This echoes the truth that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord.
  • Futility of Human Reliance: The verse implicitly warns against placing ultimate trust in human connections or political maneuvering. Earthly rulers are finite and fallible; their favor can be fickle. True and lasting favor, justice, and blessings come from God.
  • Ultimate Judgment: The term "judgment" (mishpat in Hebrew) refers not only to legal decisions but also to divine decrees, destiny, or the righteous outcome of affairs. It underscores that God's judgment is final and righteous, unlike potentially corrupt or biased human judgments.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "favour" is panim (פָּנִים), which literally means "face" or "presence." To "seek the ruler's favour" implies seeking an audience, approval, or a gracious reception from someone in authority. The word for "judgment" is mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), a rich term signifying justice, a legal decision, or the just ordering of things. It emphasizes that ultimate justice and destiny are divinely ordained, not subject to human manipulation or the whims of rulers.

Practical Application

Proverbs 29:26 offers valuable guidance for life today:

  • Whom do you seek to please? This verse challenges us to consider where our ultimate allegiance and trust lie. While we should respect and obey earthly authorities (Romans 13:1), our hope and confidence must be in God alone.
  • Finding True Security: Instead of anxiously striving for human approval or political advantage, believers are encouraged to seek God's favor through righteous living and prayer. It is God who surrounds the righteous with favor as with a shield.
  • Comfort in God's Control: For those facing injustice or struggling under oppressive leadership, this verse provides comfort. It reminds us that no earthly power is supreme, and God ultimately holds the reins of justice and destiny. Our ultimate accountability and our final vindication come from Him, as stated in Ecclesiastes 12:14 regarding God bringing every work into judgment.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 19:6

    ¶ Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts.

  • Psalms 20:9

    Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

  • Proverbs 19:21

    ¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

  • Isaiah 46:9

    Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

  • Isaiah 46:11

    Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:4

    For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

  • Isaiah 49:4

    Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: [yet] surely my judgment [is] with the LORD, and my work with my God.