Proverbs 29:2 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

In authority; which interpretation is confirmed from the opposite clause. The Hebrew word signifies to increase either in number, or in dignity and power. The people rejoice, for the blessed effects of their good government. The people mourn, both for the oppressions and mischiefs which they feel, and for the dreadful judgments of God which they justly fear.

Proverbs 29:2

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.