Proverbs 29:4

A king brings stability ¹  to a land ²  by justice, but one who exacts tribute ³  tears it down.

By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.

A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste.

A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.

By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.

The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

A king brings stability ¹  to a land ²  by justice, but one who exacts tribute ³  tears it down.

¹ tn The form is the Hiphil imperfect of the verb עָמַד (’amad, “to stand”), hence, “to cause to stand.” It means that the king makes the nation “stand firm,” with “standing firm” being a figure for strength, security, and stability. Cf. NCV “makes his country (the nation CEV) strong.”

² tn Or “country.” This term functions as a metonymy of subject for the people in the land.

³ tn The Hebrew text reads אִישׁ תְּרוּמוֹת (’ish tÿrumot, “a man of offerings”), which could refer to a man who “receives gifts” or “gives gifts.” Because of its destructive nature on the country, here the phrase must mean that he receives or “exacts” the money (cf. NRSV “makes heavy exactions”). This seems to go beyond the ordinary taxation for two reasons: (1) this ruler is a “man of offerings,” indicating that it is in his nature to do this, and (2) it tears down the country. The word “offerings” has been taken to refer to gifts or bribes (cf. NASB, NIV, CEV, NLT), but the word itself suggests more the idea of tribute or taxes that are demanded; this Hebrew word was used in Leviticus for offerings given to the priests, and in Ezek 45:16 for taxes. The point seems to be that this ruler or administrator is breaking the backs of the people with heavy taxes or tribute (e.g., 1 Sam 8:11-18), and this causes division and strife.