Proverbs29
New King James Version
1He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
3Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
4The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
5A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.
6By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
8Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath.
9If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.
11A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
12If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.
15The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.
17Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
18Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.
19A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond.
20Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.
22An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.
23A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
24Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.
25The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he 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