Matthew Henry on Proverbs 29:26
See here, 1. What is the common course men take to advance and enrich themselves, and make themselves great: they seek the ruler's favour, and, as if all their judgment proceeded from him, to him they make all their court. Solomon was himself a ruler, and knew with what sedulity men made their application to him, some on one errand, others on another, but all for his favour. It is the way of the world to make interest with great men, and expect much from the smiles of second causes, which yet are uncertain, and frequently disappoint them. Many take a great deal of pains in seeking the ruler's favour and yet cannot have it; many have it for a little while, but they cannot keep themselves in i…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:26
(Compare Margin; Psa 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.
John Gill on Proverbs 29:26
Many seek the ruler's favour,.... Or "face" (e); are very desirous of being admitted into his presence, and of having his company and conversation; of having an opportunity to ask a favour of him, and of receiving honour from him, and of gaining him on their side, to take their part in a cause depending; see Proverbs 19:6;
but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord; who has the hearts of kings and rulers in his hand, and directs them in bestowing their favours, and in determining causes; so that all things are ultimately from the Lord; and therefore it is best to seek unto him, and trust in him: or the state and condition and circumstances of men, as to riches and honour, and the like, a…
Read the whole note in the consoleKeil & Delitzsch on Proverbs 29:26
A similar gen. connection to that between חרדת אדם exists between משׁפט־אישׁ:
Many seek the countenance of the ruler;
Yet from Jahve cometh the judgment of men.
Line first is a variation of Pro 19:6, cf. Kg1 10:24. It lies near to interpret אישׁ as gen. obj.: the judgment regarding any one, i.e., the estimating of the man, the decision regarding him; and it is also possible, for משׁפּטי, Psa 17:2, may be understood of the judgment which I have, as well as of the judgment pronounced regarding me (cf. Lam 3:59). But the usage appears to think of the genit. after משׁפט always as subjective, e.g., Pro 16:33, of the decision which the lot brings, Job 36:6, the right to which the poor have a claim…
