Proverbs 29:9-18

9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is ¹no quiet.

10 Bloodthirsty men ²hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.^[a]

11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.

13 The poor man and the oppressor ³meet together; the LORD ⁴ gives light to the eyes of both.

14 If a king ⁵faithfully judges the poor, his throne will ⁶be established forever.

15 ⁷The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself ⁸brings shame to his mother.

16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but ⁹the righteous will look upon their downfall.

17 ¹⁰Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

18 Where ¹¹there is no prophetic vision the people ¹²cast off restraint,^[b] but blessed is he who ¹³keeps the law.

Proverbs 29:9-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 16

This chapter contains a prophecy of the ruin of the family of Baasha, and an account of his death, 1Ki 16:1-7, and of his son's reigning in his stead two years, who was slain by Zimri one of his captains, 1Ki 16:8-14, and who reigned but seven days, 1Ki 16:15-20, and the people being divided between Tibni and Omri, the party for the latter prevailed, and he was made king, and reigned twelve years, 1Ki 16:21-28, and was succeeded by his son Ahab, a very wicked prince, 1Ki 16:29-33, and the chapter is concluded with the rebuilding of Jericho, 1Ki 16:34.

Cross References

• 1. [Ecclesiastes 4:6]
• 2. [Genesis 4:5, 8; 1 John 3:12]
• 3. [Proverbs 22:2]
• 4. Psalms 13:3; See Job 25:3
• 5. [Psalms 72:4]
• 6. [ver. 4]; See Proverbs 16:12
• 7. See ver. 17
• 8. Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 17:25
• 9. Psalms 37:34, 36; Psalms 58:10; Psalms 91:8; Psalms 92:11
• 10. See Proverbs 13:24
• 11. 1 Samuel 3:1; [2 Chronicles 15:3; Psalms 74:9; Amos 8:11, 12]
• 12. Exodus 32:25
• 13. Luke 11:28; John 13:17; James 1:25

Footnotes

• [a]. Or but the upright seek his soul
• [b]. Or the people are discouraged