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Proverbs 29

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: The LORD 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 the LORD is kept safe.
26
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from the LORD.
27
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter unfolds a series of contrasts between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, highlighting the moral and social consequences of each. It emphasizes the stabilizing power of justice, the dangers of uncontrolled anger and pride, and the necessity of divine revelation and discipline in both public and private life. The chapter stands as a climactic reflection on the themes of moral responsibility, leadership, and the fear of the Lord that permeate the book.

Flow.

  • Begins with warnings about the peril of resisting reproof and the public effects of righteous versus wicked rule.
  • Moves through observations on personal conduct—flattery, anger, pride—and the importance of discipline in family and social order.
  • Highlights God’s sovereign care for both poor and oppressor, the necessity of just leadership, and the moral boundaries shaped by divine revelation.
  • Closes with reflections on integrity, the fear of man, and the irreconcilable enmity between the righteous and the wicked.

Connections.
Following chapter 28, which details the consequences of wickedness and the value of integrity under God’s scrutiny, chapter 29 intensifies the contrast between wise and foolish rule, personal conduct, and social justice. It deepens the examination of leadership and moral accountability, setting the stage for chapter 30, where Agur reflects on human limitation and the perfection of God’s Word, thus shifting from proverbial observations to a humble quest for divine truth.

What it teaches.
True stability in society flows from justice, righteous leadership, and reverence for God’s law (WCF 24.2). The chapter affirms that moral order is grounded in God’s design: discipline leads to wisdom (HC LD 37), pride leads to downfall (, echoed in WCF 6.4), and the fear of the Lord is the foundation of safety and honor (WCF 16.2). It teaches that divine revelation restrains chaos (; cf. WCF 1.6), that rulers are accountable to God’s justice (Rom. 13:1–4; WCF 23.1), and that integrity—even when opposed—is upheld by the Lord, who sees all (Ps. 33:13–15; WCF 3.2).

Apply.
Where anger or pride stirs in you, entrust yourself to the Lord’s correction and seek the peace found only in His righteous judgment.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.