Proverbs 29

1 Whoever is stubborn after being corrected many times will suddenly be hurt beyond cure.

2 When good people do well, everyone is happy, but when evil people rule, everyone groans.

3 Those who love wisdom make their parents happy, but friends of prostitutes waste their money.

4 If a king is fair, he makes his country strong, but if he takes gifts dishonestly, he tears his country down.

5 Those who give false praise to their neighbors are setting a trap for them.

6 Evil people are trapped by their own sin, but good people can sing and be happy.

7 Good people care about justice for the poor, but the wicked are not concerned.

8 People who make fun of wisdom cause trouble in a city, but wise people calm anger down.

9 When a wise person takes a foolish person to court, the fool only shouts or laughs, and there is no peace.

10 Murderers hate an honest person and try to kill those who do right.

11 Foolish people lose their tempers, but wise people control theirs.

12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his officers will become wicked.

13 The poor person and the cruel person are alike in that the Lord gave eyes to both of them.

14 If a king judges poor people fairly, his government will continue forever.

15 Correction and punishment make children wise, but those left alone will disgrace their mother.

16 When there are many wicked people, there is much sin, but those who do right will see them destroyed.

17 Correct your children, and you will be proud; they will give you satisfaction.

18 Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy.

19 Words alone cannot correct a servant, because even if he understands, he won't respond.

20 Do you see people who speak too quickly? There is more hope for a foolish person than for them.

21 If you spoil your servants when they are young, they will bring you grief later on.

22 An angry person causes trouble; a person with a quick temper sins a lot.

23 Pride will ruin people, but those who are humble will be honored.

24 Partners of thieves are their own worst enemies. If they have to testify in court, they are afraid to say anything.

25 Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the Lord, you will be safe.

26 Many people want to speak to a ruler, but justice comes only from the Lord.

27 Good people hate those who are dishonest, and the wicked hate those who are honest.

Proverbs 29 Commentary

Chapter 29

Verse 1 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. Verse 2 . The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked. Verse 3 . Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts. Verse 4 . The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people. Verse 5 . Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. Verse 6 . Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety. Verse 7 . This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked. Verse 8 . The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. Verse 9 . If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done. Verse 10 . Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation. Verse 11 . He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. Verse 12 . One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. Verse 13 . Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. Verse 14 . The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. Verse 15 . Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. Verse 16 . Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. Verse 17 . Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. Verse 18 . How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. Verse 19 . Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. Verse 20 . When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. Verse 21 . Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place. Verse 22 . An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God. Verse 23 . Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. Verse 24 . The receiver is as bad as the thief. Verse 25 . Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare. Verse 26 . The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be. Verse 27 . The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 16

This chapter contains a prophecy of the ruin of the family of Baasha, and an account of his death, 1Ki 16:1-7, and of his son's reigning in his stead two years, who was slain by Zimri one of his captains, 1Ki 16:8-14, and who reigned but seven days, 1Ki 16:15-20, and the people being divided between Tibni and Omri, the party for the latter prevailed, and he was made king, and reigned twelve years, 1Ki 16:21-28, and was succeeded by his son Ahab, a very wicked prince, 1Ki 16:29-33, and the chapter is concluded with the rebuilding of Jericho, 1Ki 16:34.