Proverbs29
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance.
4 The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know it.
8 Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
10 The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life.
11 A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.
12 If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.
17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed.
20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
23 A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor; But a man’s judgment cometh from Jehovah.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
Study
Proverbs 29Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Proverbs 29. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
v1
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.
v2
The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked.
v3
Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts.
Key Words
אִישׁ: a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
תּוֹכֵחָה: chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defence)
קָשָׁה: properly, to be dense, i.e. tough or severe (in various applications)
עֹרֶף: the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
פֶּתַע: a wink, i.e. moment(used only (with or without preposition) adverbially, quickly or unexpectedly
שָׁבַר: to burst (literally or figuratively)
אַיִן: a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle
מַרְפֵּא: properly, curative, i.e. literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity
צַדִּיק: just
רָבָה: to increase (in whatever respect)
Cross References
Proverbs 29Textual echo of 'hardening the neck' in rebellion against prophetic warnings.
Supported by JFB
Parallel proverb detailing the meeting of different classes and their shared dependence on God.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel structure on the contrast between righteous and wicked rulers.
Supported by JFB
Verbal link to the Lord 'lightening the eyes' to sustain physical and spiritual life.
Supported by JFB
Illuminates the scarcity of 'vision' or prophetic revelation during times of spiritual decay.
Supported by JFB
Contrast between a fool immediately venting anger/mind and the prudent keeping it in.
Supported by JFB
Thematic parallel of the righteous patiently waiting to see the fall of the wicked.
Supported by JFB
Verbal link showing there is more hope for a fool than a self-conceited person.
Supported by JFB
Verbal and thematic parallel of an angry man stirring up strife.
Supported by JFB
Provides legal background to hearing the 'cursing' (oath) and failing to testify.
Supported by JFB
Contrasts the snare of fearing man with the safety of trusting the Lord.
Supported by JFB
Illustrates Eli's sons refusing reproof and being suddenly destroyed without remedy.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Messianic typology of the King who judges the poor faithfully and establishes His throne.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Parallels the necessity of physical correction ('the rod') in godly parenting.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the city's rejoicing when the righteous prosper and authority is rightly exercised.
Supported by JFB
Thematic link to a flattering mouth working ruin and spreading a trap.
Supported by JFB