{d} Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

(d) Where there are not faithful ministers of the word of God.

Wesley's Notes

29:18 No vision - No prophecy; no publick preaching of God's word.

King James Translators' Notes

perish: or, is made naked

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

18. no vision-instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (1Sa 3:1).

people perish-(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.

keepeth the law-has, and observes, instruction (Pr 14:11, 34; Ps 19:11).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

29:11. He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. 12. One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. 13. Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. 14. The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. 15. Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. 16. Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. 17. Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. 18. How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing.