Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 29:12 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. "
Proverbs 29:12
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
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It is a serious sin in anyone, and especially in rulers, to listen to lies. When people believe lies, they do more than form wrong judgments about people and events. They also encourage others to keep bringing false reports. Lies will be told to those who are willing to hear them, and the one who listens is as guilty as the one who steals.
Those who do this will end up with servants who are all wicked in practice or in reputation. Some will seem wicked because false charges are told about them. Others will be wicked because they learn to lie to their masters. Everyone who has the ruler’s ear will fill it with slander, false descriptions, and misleading reports.
So if princes, and people in authority, choose to be deceived, they will be deceived. They should not lay all the blame on their servants who gave the bad information. A great share of the guilt belongs to the rulers themselves, because they welcomed such falsehoods and gave them attention.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 29:1
"He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Proverbs 29:2
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."
Proverbs 29:3
"Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance."
Proverbs 29:4
"The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth"
Proverbs 29:5
"A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet."
Proverbs 29:6
"In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice."
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