Proverbs · Chapter 29 of 31

Proverbs 29

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord.

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

King James Version (1769) · public domain

1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

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

3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.

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

6An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

7The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.

8Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.

9If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.

10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.

11A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.

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

14A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.

15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

16When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.

18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.

19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.

20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.

22An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

24A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.

25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.

27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible · public domain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World English Bible · public domain

About Proverbs

Proverbs 29 commentary

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706), public domain.

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.

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.

Key verses in Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Proverbs 29:17
Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.