Proverbs 29:12

“If a ruler hearken to lies, etc.] To men that tell them in order to soothe and flatter him, or to hurt the character and reputation of others, that they may raise their own: rulers should not listen to and encourage such sort of persons; for, as lying lips do not become a prince, so it is not right to have liars about him; David would not suffer such to dwell in his court, (<19A107>Psalm 101:7); all his servants [are] wicked; or the greatest part of them: for a ruler of such a disposition will take none but such into his service, that flatter him, and calumniate others; and such a conduct, being pleasing and agreeable to him, is a temptation to his ministers to act the same wicked part; as…”

“His servants imitate him.”

“All his servants are wicked - They know what will please, and they become informers and backbiters. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Pro 20:8, Pro 25:23; 1Sam. 22:8-23, Sa1 23:19-23; Sa2 3:7-11, Sa2 4:5-12; Kg1 21:11-13; Kg2 10:6, Kg2 10:7; Psa 52:2-4, Psa 101:5-7 Proverbs 29:13”

“12 A ruler who listens to deceitful words, All his servants are godless. They are so because they deceive him, and they become so; for instead of saying the truth which the ruler does not wish to hear, they seek to gain his favour by deceitful flatteries, misrepresentations, exaggerations, falsehoods. Audita rex quae praecipit lex. He does not do this, as the saying is, sicut rex ita grex (Sir. 10:2), in the sense of this proverb of Solomon. Proverbs 29:13”