Proverbs 29:26 kjv

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

Proverbs 29:26 nkjv

Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.

Proverbs 29:26 niv

Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.

Proverbs 29:26 esv

Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.

Proverbs 29:26 nlt

Many seek the ruler's favor,
but justice comes from the LORD.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 26 Meaning

Proverbs 29:26 conveys a profound contrast between human reliance and divine sovereignty. It observes that many people often seek the approval and help of earthly rulers for their advantage or for favorable outcomes. However, it strongly asserts that true justice, the ultimate verdict and right outcome for any individual, does not originate from human authority but from the LORD alone. It underscores that while human power might seem influential, divine judgment is the ultimate arbiter.

Proverbs 29 26 Context

Proverbs 29 forms part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Prov 25-29). This chapter frequently touches upon themes of righteous and wicked leadership, the consequences of rebellion, the importance of discipline, and the nature of true wisdom. Verse 26, specifically, is a wisdom saying that addresses where a person should place their ultimate trust for well-being and justice. In a world where rulers held absolute power and dispensing justice was a key role, there was a natural inclination to curry favor with those in authority. The verse challenges this perspective, redirecting attention to God as the ultimate and righteous dispenser of justice, subtly critiquing the notion that human rulers are the final arbiters of a person's fate or rights. It functions as a polemic against complete reliance on human political structures and their ability to ensure fair treatment, asserting divine sovereignty over all.

Proverbs 29 26 Word analysis

• Many: רַבִּים (rabbim). This Hebrew word signifies "many," "great," or "abundant." It indicates a widespread human tendency or common behavior. It points to a pervasive reality of seeking worldly influence.
• seek: מְבַקְשִׁים (mevashkim). Derived from the verb בָּקַשׁ (bakâsh), meaning "to seek," "to desire," "to request." It implies active pursuit, often with earnestness, and a hopeful expectation of benefit or success from the one being sought.
• the ruler’s: מֹשֵׁל (moshel). This term means "ruler," "governor," "authority," or "one who has dominion." It signifies an individual with political power, one who can make decisions, bestow favors, or pass judgments affecting others.
• favor: פְּנֵי מֹשֵׁל (p'ney moshel). This is literally "face of a ruler." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, "seeking the face" was a common idiom for seeking access, audience, approval, favor, or intervention from an important person or king. It implies a desire for benevolent attention and aid.
• but: וְאִישׁ (ve'ish). The Hebrew waw (ו) usually means "and," but here it acts adversatively, similar to "but" or "however." It signals a contrast between the human pursuit of favor and the divine source of justice. "Ish" means "man" or "person," referring to anyone.
• justice: מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat). This rich Hebrew term encompasses more than just legal fairness. It means "justice," "judgment," "ordinance," "right," "equity," "custom." It refers to what is due, correct, or rightfully deserved. It embodies the concept of a just verdict and the restoration of what is right.
• for man: לְאִישׁ (le'ish). The prefix "lĕ-" (לְ) means "for" or "to." Thus, "for man" clarifies that this justice is directly concerning or intended for a human individual, emphasizing the personal application of this divine justice.
• comes from the LORD: מֵיְהוָה (meYahweh). This phrase indicates the ultimate origin and source. Me- (מֵ) means "from" or "out of." Yahweh (יְהוָה) is the personal, covenantal name of God. This part of the verse firmly declares God's ultimate sovereignty and unchallengeable authority as the dispenser of true justice, directly contrasting with human rulers.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "Many seek the ruler’s favor": This phrase describes a natural, common human tendency. It speaks to the practical reality of people looking to worldly power structures—governments, powerful individuals, authorities—to grant them advantages, solve their problems, or deliver desired outcomes. It highlights reliance on political or social influence.
• "but justice for man comes from the LORD": This is the counterpoint and the core theological assertion. The "but" signifies a direct contradiction and redirection. It proclaims that true justice, what is ultimately right and fair, is not dependent on human rulers' whims or capacities. Instead, it is an attribute and action that exclusively originates from God, emphasizing His divine sovereignty, ultimate authority, and unchanging righteousness. This negates the finality of human judgment and asserts God's ultimate arbitration.

Proverbs 29 26 Bonus section

The profound insight of this verse lies in its encouragement to have the fear of the LORD rather than the fear of man (Prov 29:25). When individuals or societies focus excessively on currying favor with rulers, they elevate human power above God's authority. This verse corrects such a misplaced emphasis by declaring God's absolute dominion over the concept and administration of justice. It implies that true recourse and genuine security are found in a righteous relationship with God, rather than through human politics or connections. This divine perspective liberates individuals from anxiety over political instability or the perceived might of human leaders, reminding them that God is the supreme authority, orchestrating and allowing circumstances according to His perfect wisdom and justice.

Proverbs 29 26 Commentary

Proverbs 29:26 presents a fundamental truth about human dependence versus divine sovereignty. It illustrates the common, yet often futile, human inclination to seek solutions, security, or advantage through worldly connections and political favor. People naturally gravitate towards those in power, believing that the favor of a ruler can ensure their prosperity, safety, or legal vindication.

However, the verse masterfully pivots to declare that ultimate justice—the true and righteous assessment of what is right, fair, and due—is not at the disposal of any human authority. Instead, it proceeds directly from the LORD, God Himself. This divine pronouncement assures the wise and righteous that their final judgment rests not with fickle or fallible human courts and rulers, but with the infallible, immutable, and righteous Judge of all the earth.

This wisdom saying is both a comfort and a challenge. It comforts those who might feel oppressed or unfairly treated by human systems, reminding them that God sees and ultimately judges with perfect righteousness. It challenges those who are tempted to compromise their integrity or manipulate situations by fawning over rulers, reminding them that such earthly stratagems cannot secure true justice, which is solely God’s domain. It is a call to align one's trust not with the created, but with the Creator.

• Practical usage examples:
  • Instead of despairing over a corrupt government decision, recall that true justice originates from God.
  • Resist the temptation to engage in unethical lobbying or flattery of those in power to gain an unfair advantage, recognizing that ultimate fairness is divinely sourced.
  • Find peace knowing that even when human systems fail to deliver justice, God remains the ultimate arbiter of all matters.