If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
Proverbs 29:12 belongs to chapters 25 to 29, which were copied out of Solomon's writings by men appointed by Hezekiah. When a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants become wicked because only flatterers and sycophants are generally admitted to the presence of powerful monarchs. Those too upright to dissemble soon give offense and are dismissed from court in disgrace or condemned to death as criminals dangerous to the peace of the state.
The verse also means that those who exert the greatest influence in molding public opinion are generally the interested and self-seeking ones most likely to mislead. The more candid are therefore held in check and their testimony is withheld from view for a time. For this reason it is not considered prudent to say much to disparage an illustrious monarch jealous of his fame and reputation, even when some in his own day are amazed at the extent of his crimes.
Proverbs 29:12 belongs to chapters 25 to 29, which were copied out of Solomon's writings by men appointed by Hezekiah. When a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants become wicked because only flatterers and sycophants are generally admitted to the presence of powerful monarchs. Those too upright to dissemble soon give offense and are dismissed from court in disgrace or condemned to death as criminals dangerous to the peace of the state.
The verse also means that those who exert the greatest influence in molding public opinion are generally the interested and self-seeking ones most likely to mislead. The more candid are therefore held in check and their testimony is withheld from view for a time. For this reason it is not considered prudent to say much to disparage an illustrious monarch jealous of his fame and reputation, even when some in his own day are amazed at the extent of his crimes.