Proverbs 29 Study Notes

29:15 On this verse, see note at 23:13-14 (cp. 10:5,13;17:2).

29:16 On leadership of the wicked and the righteous, see note at 28:12.

29:17 Peace of mind means being free from emotional and physical threats (Jb 3:26; Ps 116:7; Is 14:3,7). A wise child provides necessities as well as delight (Gn 49:20; Lm 4:5).

29:18 Revelation, like instruction, probably refers to the inspired wisdom in Proverbs. True happiness (see note at 3:13-18) is found within God’s plan.

29:19 A foolish servant only responds to corporal punishment (see note at 13:24).

29:20 A fool is less likely to get into trouble if he is not one who speaks rashly (18:7; 20:25).

29:21 A servant, like any other person, needs to be prepared during his youth to fulfill his life’s responsibilities (22:6). On later on, see “at the end” in note at 5:11.

29:22 The proverb is similar to 15:18 (see also 22:24). The hothead’s resentment causes him to seek a pretext to escalate every difference into a fight. He is ruled by his passions (Bruce Waltke).

29:23 Pride comes from a root that means exaltation, being high, while humble means being low. The proud person denies dependence on God and resents submission to God’s plans.

29:24 Associating with the wicked is self-destructive (1:19; 24:21-22). In an unsolved case, the legal system would announce a curse on the perpetrator and any accomplices (Lv 5:1). If witnesses came forward or the thief turned himself in, they could be exonerated (Jdg 17:2). But God’s curse would be on this partner if he refused to testify against the thief (Zch 5:3-4; cp. Nm 5:21).

29:25 A snare can be fatal (13:14; 14:27; 18:7). Fear is literally “sheer terror” (1Sm 14:15; Is 21:4; Dn 10:7). A wise person does not fear mortal man. The only One to fear is the Lord, who is able to protect or destroy (18:10; Lk 12:4-5).

29:26 Many try to sway a ruler, but the fact that he might be swayed makes him a less reliable judge than the Lord (19:6; cp. 16:10,12).

29:27 To detest an unjust person is to agree with God (3:32; 11:1; 12:22; 15:8-9,26; 16:5,12; 17:15; 20:10,23; 21:27; 28:9; Ps 139:21-22; 2Co 6:14-16), but hating the upright is wrong (v. 10; Ps 69:4; Mt 10:22; 24:9; Jn 15:18; 17:14; 1Jn 3:13).