Proverbs 29:2-12

2 When ¹the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when ²the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 He who ³loves wisdom makes his father glad, but ⁴a companion of prostitutes ⁵squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king ⁶builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts^[a] tears it down.

5 ⁷A man who flatters his neighbor spreads ⁸a net for his feet.

6 An evil man is ⁹ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man ¹⁰sings and rejoices.

7 A righteous man ¹¹knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not ¹²understand such knowledge.

8 ¹³Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is ¹⁴no quiet.

10 Bloodthirsty men ¹⁵hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright. ^[b]

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.

Proverbs 29:2-12 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. 29:2 ch. 11:10; 28:12, 28; [Esth. 8:15]
• 2. 29:2 [Esth. 3:15]
• 3. 29:3 [ch. 10:1; 15:20; 27:11; 28:7]
• 4. 29:3 [ch. 5:9, 10; 6:26]
• 5. 29:3 Luke 15:13, 30
• 6. 29:4 [ver. 14; 2 Chr. 9:8]
• 7. 29:5 ch. 28:23
• 8. 29:5 [Ps. 9:15]
• 9. 29:6 [Eccles. 9:12]
• 10. 29:6 [Ex. 15:1, 21; Ps. 35:27]
• 11. 29:7 Job 29:16; Ps. 41:1
• 12. 29:7 [ch. 28:27]
• 13. 29:8 [ch. 11:11]
• 14. 29:9 [Eccles. 4:6]
• 15. 29:10 [Gen. 4:5, 8; 1 John 3:12]

Footnotes

• [a] 29:4 Or 'who taxes heavily'
• [b] 29:10 Or 'but the upright seek his soul'