Proverbs 29

The Flourishing of the Righteous

1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute ^[a] demolishes it.

5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

6 An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

7 The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.

8 Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.

9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.

10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. ^[b]

11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

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

13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14 A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.

15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

16 When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.

18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.

19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.

20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.

22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

24 A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath but does not testify.

25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.

27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

Proverbs 29 Commentary

Chapter 29

Verse 1 If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ. Verse 2 . The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked. Verse 3 . Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts. Verse 4 . The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people. Verse 5 . Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. Verse 6 . Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety. Verse 7 . This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked. Verse 8 . The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. Verse 9 . If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done. Verse 10 . Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation. Verse 11 . He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. Verse 12 . One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. Verse 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. Verse 14 . The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. Verse 15 . Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. Verse 16 . Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. Verse 17 . Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. Verse 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. Verse 19 . Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. Verse 20 . When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. Verse 21 . Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place. Verse 22 . An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God. Verse 23 . Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. Verse 24 . The receiver is as bad as the thief. Verse 25 . Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare. Verse 26 . The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be. Verse 27 . The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or who taxes heavily or who takes bribes
• [b]. Or but the upright seek his soul

Chapter Summary

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.