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Matthew Henry's Commentary – Verse 12
Resources chevron-right Matthew Henry's Commentary chevron-right Proverbs chevron-right Chapter 19 chevron-right Verse 12
Verse 12

This is to the same purport with what we had Prov. 16:14, 15, and the design of it is, 1. To make kings wise and considerate in dispensing their frowns and smiles. They are not like those of common persons; their frowns are very terrible and their smiles very comfortable, and therefore it concerns them to be very careful that they never frighten a good man from doing well with their frowns, nor ever give countenance to a wicked man in doing ill with their smiles, for then they abuse their influence, Rom. 13:3. 2. To make subjects faithful and dutiful to their princes. Let them be restrained from all disloyalty by the consideration of the dreadful consequence of having the government against them; and let them be encouraged in all good services to the public by the hopes of the favour of their prince. Christ is a King whose wrath against his enemies will be as the roaring of a lion (Rev. 10:3) and his favour to his own people as the refreshing dew, Ps. 72:6.

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