Proverbs 29:7-17

7 A righteous man ¹knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not ²understand such knowledge.

8 ³Scoffers 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 ⁴no quiet.

10 Bloodthirsty men ⁵hate 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 ⁶meet together; the Lord ⁷gives light to the eyes of both.

14 If a king ⁸faithfully judges the poor, his throne will ⁹be established forever.

15 ¹⁰The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself ¹¹brings shame to his mother.

16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but ¹²the righteous will look upon their downfall.

17 ¹³Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

Proverbs 29:7-17 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. 29:7 Job 29:16; Ps. 41:1
• 2. 29:7 [ch. 28:27]
• 3. 29:8 [ch. 11:11]
• 4. 29:9 [Eccles. 4:6]
• 5. 29:10 [Gen. 4:5, 8; 1 John 3:12]
• 6. 29:13 [ch. 22:2]
• 7. 29:13 Ps. 13:3; See Job 25:3
• 8. 29:14 [Ps. 72:4]
• 9. 29:14 [ver. 4]; See ch. 16:12
• 10. 29:15 See ver. 17
• 11. 29:15 ch. 10:1; 17:25
• 12. 29:16 Ps. 37:34, 36; 58:10; 91:8; 92:11
• 13. 29:17 See ch. 13:24

Footnotes

• [a] 29:10 Or 'but the upright seek his soul'