Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 29:18

"Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he." — Proverbs 29:18 (ASV)

Vision – The word commonly used of the revelation of God’s will made to prophets. Compare Isaiah 1:1; Nahum 1:1.

When prophetic vision fails, obedience to the Law is the best or only substitute for it, both being forms through which divine wisdom is revealed. Very striking in the midst of ethical precepts is this recognition of the need of a yet higher teaching, without which morality passes into worldly prudence or degenerates into casuistry. The “wise man,” the son of David, has seen in the prophets and in their work the condition of true national blessedness. The darkest time in the history of Israel had been when there was no open vision (1 Samuel 3:1); at such a time the people perish, are let loose, are left to run wild.