Proverbs 29:18

Vision. Heb. chazon, not ordinary vision, but in every one of its 35 occurrences, prophetic vision. Except for the prophecies of chs. 30 and 31, attributed to Agur and Lemuel respectively, the present reference seems to be the only mention of prophets or prophecy in the book. Nevertheless, the whole of Solomon’s writings are a communication of wisdom and knowledge to men by God.

Perish. Heb. para‘, “to let go.” The first clause literally reads, “Where there is no vision the people is let loose [or lack restraint].” When a church or nation has so cut itself off from God that He cannot communicate directly with it through His own chosen messengers, then the people lack restraint.

Law. Law here comprehends the whole of the revealed will of God. Instead of the anarchy and misery that result when every man does that which is right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6), there are prosperity and happiness when the will of God is followed.