Proverbs 29

King James Version

Full text for Proverbs Chapter 29

1¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2¶ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3¶ Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance.

4¶ The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

5¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

6¶ In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7¶ The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].

8¶ Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath.

9¶ [If] a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, [there is] no rest.

10¶ The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

11¶ A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards.

12¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

13¶ The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

14¶ The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15¶ The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.

16¶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17¶ Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18¶ Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.

19¶ A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

20¶ Seest thou a man [that is] hasty in his words? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

21¶ He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become [his] son at the length.

22¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24¶ Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.

25¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

26¶ Many seek the ruler's favour; but [every] man's judgment [cometh] from the LORD.

27¶ An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Proverbs 29 highlights the critical distinction between the righteous and the wicked, particularly concerning leadership and personal conduct. It warns that persistent rejection of reproof leads to destruction, while righteous governance brings joy and stability to a nation. The chapter emphasizes the importance of wisdom, discipline, and trust in the Lord for a life of uprightness and peace.

Medium Summary

Proverbs 29 begins with a stark warning that one who often rejects reproof will face sudden, irremediable destruction. It contrasts the societal impact of righteous rulers, under whom people rejoice, with wicked rulers, who cause the people to mourn. The chapter extols wisdom, which brings joy to a father, and cautions against folly, such as associating with harlots or speaking hastily. Kings are advised to establish their land through impartial judgment rather than by accepting bribes, ensuring the stability of their throne by faithfully judging the poor. Discipline, especially of children, is presented as essential for imparting wisdom and bringing peace to the household. The text also warns against the snare of flattery, the strife caused by anger, and the downfall brought by pride, advocating instead for trust in the Lord over the fear of man.

Long Summary

Proverbs 29 opens with a severe admonition, declaring that an individual who frequently receives reproof yet hardens his neck will be suddenly destroyed without remedy. It then contrasts the societal effects of governance, stating that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn. The chapter extols the virtue of wisdom, which brings delight to a father, and cautions against the ruinous path of associating with harlots, which squanders one's substance. Good governance is further elaborated, noting that a king establishes his land through impartial judgment, while one who accepts gifts overthrows it. Flattery is depicted as a trap for one's neighbor, and the righteous are shown to find joy even amidst the snares of the wicked. A key theme is the righteous's concern for the poor, contrasted with the wicked's disregard for their cause. Scornful men are said to ensnare a city, while wise men turn away wrath. The text also highlights the futility of contending with a foolish man and the inherent conflict between the bloodthirsty, who hate the upright, and the just, who seek their well-being. The wise are distinguished by their measured speech, unlike fools who utter all their mind. A ruler's susceptibility to lies is shown to corrupt his servants, leading to widespread wickedness. Divine providence is acknowledged, as the LORD enlightens both the poor and the deceitful. The importance of discipline is emphasized, stating that the rod and reproof impart wisdom, and a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. The proliferation of the wicked is linked to increased transgression, though the righteous will witness their fall. The chapter concludes by advocating for the correction of sons for peace and delight, stressing the peril of a people without "vision" or adherence to the law, and contrasting the snare of fearing man with the safety of trusting in the LORD, from whom all judgment ultimately derives.

Core Concepts

  • Consequences of StubbornnessThe chapter begins with a stern warning that an individual who frequently rejects reproof and hardens his neck will face sudden, irreparable destruction. This highlights the severe outcome of an unyielding and unteachable spirit.
  • Righteous vs. Wicked GovernanceProverbs 29 clearly delineates the impact of leadership, stating that people rejoice under righteous authority but mourn under wicked rule. A king's faithful judgment, especially of the poor, is presented as foundational for the stability of his throne and the land.
  • Wisdom and Folly in ConductWisdom is shown to bring joy and prudent behavior, such as controlling one's speech, while folly leads to ruin, uncontrolled expressions of mind, and destructive associations like keeping company with harlots.
  • Importance of DisciplineThe text strongly advocates for discipline, stating that 'the rod and reproof give wisdom.' It warns that a child left to himself brings shame to his mother and encourages correcting one's son to bring rest and delight.
  • Societal Vision and LawA crucial verse declares, 'Where there is no vision, the people perish,' implying that a lack of divine guidance, moral direction, or prophetic insight leads to societal decay. Conversely, keeping the law brings happiness.
  • Trust in the Lord vs. Fear of ManThe chapter contrasts the 'snare' brought by the fear of man with the safety and security found in placing one's trust in the LORD. It reminds that while many seek the ruler's favor, every man's judgment ultimately comes from the LORD.
  • Justice for the PoorThe righteous are characterized by their active consideration for the cause of the poor, while the wicked show no regard for their plight. A king who faithfully judges the poor is promised an established throne.