Proverbs29
New American Standard
1A person often rebuked who becomes obstinate Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked person rules, people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
4The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a person who takes bribes ruins it.
5A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.
6By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor; The wicked does not understand such concern.
8Arrogant people inflame a city, But wise people turn away anger.
9When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10People of bloodshed hate the blameless person, But the upright are concerned for his life.
11A fool always loses his temper, But a wise person holds it back.
12If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked.
13The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.
15The rod and a rebuke give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases; But the righteous will see their downfall.
17Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is one who keeps the Law.
19A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response.
20Do you see a person who is hasty with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21One who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be rebellious.
22An angry person stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing.
23A person’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing.
25The fear of man brings a snare, But one who trusts in the Lord will be protected.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for mankind comes from the Lord.
27An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Proverbs 29.
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