Proverbs 29:1-18

1 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

4 A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.

5 To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.

6 Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

7 The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.

8 Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger.

9 If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

10 The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them.

11 Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

12 If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked.

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common— the LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever.

15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

16 When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall.

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.

18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

Proverbs 29:1-18 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Or The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, / and they seek to kill the upright; Hebrew reads The bloodthirsty hate blameless people; / as for the upright, they seek their life.