Proverbs 29

1 A man who still won't obey after being warned many times will suddenly be destroyed. Nothing can save him.

2 When those who do right grow stronger, the people are glad. But when those who do wrong become rulers, the people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad. But a man who spends time with prostitutes wastes his father's wealth.

4 By doing what is fair, a king makes a country secure. But the one who wants to be paid off tears it down.

5 A man who only pretends to praise his neighbor is spreading a net to catch him by the feet.

6 A sinful man is trapped by his own sin. But a godly person can sing and be glad.

7 Those who do what is right want to treat poor people fairly. But those who do what is wrong don't care about the poor.

8 Those who make fun of others stir up a city. But wise people turn anger away.

9 Suppose a wise man goes to court with a foolish person. Then the foolish person gets mad and pokes fun. And there is no peace.

10 Murderers hate honest people. They try to kill those who do what is right.

11 A foolish person lets his anger run wild. But a wise person keeps himself under control.

12 If rulers listen to lies, all their officials become evil.

13 The LORD gives sight to the eyes of poor people and those who beat others down. That's what they both have in common.

14 If a king judges poor people fairly, his throne will always be secure.

15 If a child is corrected, he becomes wise. But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

16 When those who do wrong grow stronger, so does sin. But those who do right will see them destroyed.

17 If you train your children, they will give you peace. They will bring delight to you.

18 Where there is no message from God, the people don't control themselves. But blessed are those who obey the law.

19 A servant can't be corrected only by words. Even if he understands, he won't obey.

20 Have you seen a man who speaks without thinking? There is more hope for foolish people than for him.

21 If you spoil your servant while he is young, he will bring you sorrow later on.

22 An angry man stirs up fights. And a person who burns with anger commits many sins.

23 If a man is proud, he will be made low. But if he isn't proud, he will be honored.

24 Anyone who helps a thief is his own enemy. When he is put under oath, he doesn't dare give witness.

25 If you are afraid of people, it will trap you. But if you trust in the Lord, he will keep you safe.

26 Many people want to meet a ruler. But only the LORD sees that people are treated fairly.

27 Those who do what is right hate dishonest people. Those who do what is wrong hate honest people.

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.

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.