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A Study of Proverbs 29
February 17, 2008
One of our members requested a study of Proverbs. This chapter repeats some points already made and introduces new ones. Bad leaders plunge a country into chaos. Don't oppress the poor. Don't show partiality. Take care of your parents. Follow the teachings of your parents. Be industrious.
Bernie Parsons
Proverbs Chapter 29
by Bernie Parsons
Presented to the Load church of Christ 02-17-2008
Proverbs 29:1: “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
When a person refuses correction, his obstinacy will eventually destroy him.
Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
A nation loves a righteous ruler, and mourns when their ruler is wicked, because the wicked brings trouble to his people.
Proverbs 29:3: “Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.”
A father is happy to see his son behave wisely. A fornicator wastes his livelihood.
Proverbs 29:4: “The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.”
A king who establishes the facts of matter stabilizes the country; if he receives bribes, the country is in unrest and turmoil due to his corruption.
Proverbs 29:5: “A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.”
One who flatters another is laying a trap for him—beware!
Proverbs 29:6: “In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.”
When the evil sin, they lay a trap for themselves, while the righteous are joyful.
Proverbs 29:7: “The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.”
Righteous people assist the poor, while the wicked turn their eyes away from the needy.
Proverbs 29:8: “Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.”
Rebellious men invite trouble upon a city, while wise men defuse dangerous situations.
Proverbs 29:9: “If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.”
A wise man wastes his time trying to persuade a foolish man that he is wrong.
Proverbs 29:10: “The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.”
John 3:19: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20: For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”
Evil people hate the righteous, while the righteous uphold him and praise him.
Proverbs 29:11: “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”
A fool blurts out what he is thinking, but a wise man ponders before answering.
Proverbs 29:12: “If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.”
A ruler who listens to lies surrounds himself with wicked men.
Proverbs 29:13: “The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.”
Exodus 12:49: “One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.”
God abhors partiality—He sends the same word and wisdom to all, whether poor or crooked. All are expected to follow His commandments.
Proverbs 29:14: “The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.”
A king who champions the cause of the poor, rendering proper judgment, will be beloved by his citizens, who will admire, respect, and praise him. He has their allegiance.
Proverbs 29:15: “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
Discipline and correction impart wisdom to a child. A child cannot be expected to figure out what is right and wrong on his own. Such a child will bring shame to his mother.
Proverbs 29:16: “When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.”
The more wicked in a city or land, the more that crime and sin that will occur. They may have reign in the short run, but eventually the righteous people will turn them out.
Proverbs 29:17: “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.”
An obedient son is a blessing—his parents do not have to worry what he will get into.
Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
Without visionary leadership, the people are destroyed. A righteous ruler will bring joy.
Proverbs 29:19: “A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.”
Servants resist verbal correction—they tend to be stubborn and rebellious.
Proverbs 29:20: “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
A man who speaks too often, and too readily, is hopeless—fools have a better chance of surviving. That is, the hasty speaker gets himself into many troublesome situations!
Proverbs 29:21: “He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.”
A man who properly raises a servant from his childhood will have one who treats him like a father when he gets old.
Proverbs 29:22: “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.”
Anger leads to fighting, and fury leads to all kinds of sins.
Proverbs 29:23: “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”
Pride destroys, while the humble are admired and lifted up.
Proverbs 29:24: “Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.”
A person who partners with a thief finds himself having to look the other way when he hears bad oaths being uttered, instead of standing up for what is right.
Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
If you are fearful, it creates problems, while those who trust the Lord rest easy.
Proverbs 29:26: “Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.”
Although people want to be noticed and rewarded by their ruler, it is God who judges them according to who they are and what they do.
Proverbs 29:27: “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”
The just despises the unjust, and vice versa. Their ways are not compatible—they work at cross-purposes.
