(29) A violent man enticeth his neighbour. . . .—Comp. Proverbs 1:10, sqq.

Proverbs 16:29-30. A violent man — Hebrew, a man of violence, that is, devoted to violent and injurious courses; enticeth his neighbour — Into a confederacy with him in his wicked practices; and leadeth him into the way that is not good — That is, into a way that is very sinful, as this phrase is frequently used. He shutteth his eyes — That his thoughts may be more free, and intent to contrive mischief; he meditates with the closest intention and application of mind, to devise wicked things, to contrive how he may do the greatest evil to his neighbour, may do it effectually, and yet without endangering himself; moving his lips, &c. — Speaking, or making signs to others to assist him in executing that wickedness which he hath contrived.

16:27,28. Ungodly men bestow more pains to do mischief than would be needful to do good. The whisperer separates friends: what a hateful, but how common a character! 29,30. Some do all the mischief they can by force and violence, and are blind to the result. 31. Old people especially should be found in the way of religion and godliness. 32. To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy. 33. All the disposal of Providence concerning our affairs, we must look upon to be the determining what we referred to God; and we must be reconciled to them accordingly. Blessed are those that give themselves up to the will of God; for he knows what is good for them.The four verses speak of the same thing, and the well-known opprobrious name, the "man of Belial," stands at the head as stigmatizing the man who delights in causing the mischief of which they treat.

Diggeth up evil - i. e., Digs an evil pit for others to fall into. Compare Psalm 7:15.

29. violent man—or, "man of mischief" (Pr 3:31).

enticeth—(Pr 1:10).

A violent man, Heb. a man of violence, i.e. devoted to violent and injurious courses,

enticeth his neighbour into a confederacy with him in his wicked practices, as it follows.

That is not good, i.e. that is very sinful, as this phrase is used, Proverbs 17:26 18:5, and oft elsewhere.

A violent man enticeth his neighbour,.... As false teachers do, who are grievous wolves, not sparing the flock, and who by good words and fair speeches deceive the heart of the simple; and as the man of sin, that has shed the blood of the saints, and been drunk with the same, deceives with his miracles and sorceries them that dwell on the earth;

and leadeth him into the way that is not good; yea, into one that is very bad; so far are false teachers from leading their neighbours into the good old way of truth and righteousness, that they lead them into pernicious ways, by whom the way; of truth is spoken evil of; they lead them into a ditch, and into destruction hereafter; as does the man of sin and violence his followers.

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.