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Proverbs 29

Proverbs29

World English Bible · Public Domain

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1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.

5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.

8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.

13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

16 When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.

19 A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.

22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

23 A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.

24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.

27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

Study

Proverbs 29

Public-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.

Cross References

Proverbs 29
v12 Kings 17:14allusion

Textual echo of 'hardening the neck' in rebellion against prophetic warnings.

Supported by JFB

v13Proverbs 22:2thematic

Parallel proverb detailing the meeting of different classes and their shared dependence on God.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v2Proverbs 28:28thematic

Parallel structure on the contrast between righteous and wicked rulers.

Supported by JFB

v13Psalms 13:3allusion

Verbal link to the Lord 'lightening the eyes' to sustain physical and spiritual life.

Supported by JFB

v181 Samuel 3:1thematic

Illuminates the scarcity of 'vision' or prophetic revelation during times of spiritual decay.

Supported by JFB

v11Proverbs 12:16thematic

Contrast between a fool immediately venting anger/mind and the prudent keeping it in.

Supported by JFB

v16Psalms 37:34thematic

Thematic parallel of the righteous patiently waiting to see the fall of the wicked.

Supported by JFB

v20Proverbs 26:12thematic

Verbal link showing there is more hope for a fool than a self-conceited person.

Supported by JFB

v22Proverbs 15:18thematic

Verbal and thematic parallel of an angry man stirring up strife.

Supported by JFB

v24Leviticus 5:1thematic

Provides legal background to hearing the 'cursing' (oath) and failing to testify.

Supported by JFB

v25Proverbs 18:10contrast

Contrasts the snare of fearing man with the safety of trusting the Lord.

Supported by JFB

v11 Samuel 2:25thematic

Illustrates Eli's sons refusing reproof and being suddenly destroyed without remedy.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v14Psalms 72:4typology

Messianic typology of the King who judges the poor faithfully and establishes His throne.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v15Proverbs 13:24thematic

Parallels the necessity of physical correction ('the rod') in godly parenting.

Supported by JFB

v2Proverbs 11:10thematic

Parallels the city's rejoicing when the righteous prosper and authority is rightly exercised.

Supported by JFB

v5Proverbs 26:28thematic

Thematic link to a flattering mouth working ruin and spreading a trap.

Supported by JFB