Proverbs 29

1 One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be broken suddenly- and without a remedy.^[a]

2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.^[b]

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.^[c]

4 By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man [who demands] "contributions"^[d] demolishes it.

5 A man who flatters^[e] his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.^[f]

6 An evil man is caught by sin,^[g] but the righteous one sings and rejoices.

7 The righteous person knows the rights^[h] of the poor, but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

8 Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.^[i]

9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.^[j]

10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, but the upright care about him.^[k]

11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,^[l] but a wise man holds it in check.^[m]

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

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:^[n] the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.^[o]

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

15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself^[p] is a disgrace to his mother.^[q]

16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases, but the righteous will see their downfall.^[r]

17 Discipline your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also give you delight.

18 Without revelation^[s] people run wild, but one who keeps the law will be happy.

19 A servant cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn't respond.

20 Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.^[t]

21 A slave pampered from his youth will become arrogant^[u] later on.

22 An angry man stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered man^[v] increases rebellion.^[w]

23 A person's pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor.^[x]

24 To be a thief's partner is to hate oneself; he hears the curse but will not testify.^[y]

25 The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.^{[z] [aa]}

26 Many seek a ruler's favor,^[ab] 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.^[ac]

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]. Pr 6:14-15
• [b]. Pr 28:1; Ex 2:23; 1 Ch 29:9
• [c]. Pr 15:20; 23:24-25; Lk 15:13
• [d]. The Hb word usually refers to offerings in worship.
• [e]. Lit is smooth on
• [f]. Pr 26:28; 27:6; 28:23
• [g]. Pr 12:13; 18:7
• [h]. Lit justice
• [i]. Pr 26:21; 29:22
• [j]. Lit rest
• [k]. Or person, and seek the life of the upright
• [l]. Lit spirit
• [m]. Pr 16:32; 25:28
• [n]. Lit oppressor meet
• [o]. Pr 22:2
• [p]. Lit youth sent away; Jb 39:5; Isa 16:2
• [q]. Pr 13:18; 17:25; 22:15
• [r]. Pr 28:28; 29:2
• [s]. Lit vision
• [t]. Pr 19:2
• [u]. Hb obscure
• [v]. Lit a master of rage
• [w]. Pr 15:18; 26:21; 28:25
• [x]. Pr 11:2; 15:33; 22:4
• [y]. When a call for witnesses was made public, anyone with information who did not submit his testimony was under a curse; Lv 5:1.
• [z]. Lit raised high
• [aa]. Pr 14:27; 18:10
• [ab]. Pr 16:15; 19:6
• [ac]. Pr 13:19

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.