Proverbs 29:26 - Meaning and Application

Here, we see, first, the usual way people try to advance themselves and grow rich, and make themselves important. They seek the ruler’s favor and, as if all wisdom came from him, they pay court to him in every way. Solomon was himself a ruler, and he knew how eagerly people brought their requests to him, some for one reason and some for another, but all wanting his favor. This is the way of the world, to try to gain influence with powerful people and expect much from the smiles of secondary causes, meaning people and events that depend on God. But those favors are uncertain, and they often disappoint.

Many spend great effort seeking the ruler’s favor and still cannot get it. Many have it for a little while, but cannot keep it, because some small change brings them under his displeasure. Many do have it and keep it, yet it still does not give them what they hoped for. Haman, who had the ruler’s favor, found that it did him no good in the end.

Second, we see the wisest course people can take if they want true happiness. They should look up to God and seek the favor of the Ruler over all rulers, because every person’s judgment comes from the Lord. Things are not with us simply as the ruler chooses. His favor cannot make us truly happy, and his anger cannot truly ruin us. It is as God chooses, because every creature is only what God makes it to be, and nothing more. He is the first Cause, on whom all secondary causes depend. If he does not help, they cannot help us (2 Kings 6:27; Job 34:29).