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Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29 focuses on the consequences of righteousness and wickedness, the importance of discipline, and the need for justice and wisdom in leadership. The chapter contrasts the effects of righteous rule with the chaos and harm that come from corruption and sin. It also highlights the role of discipline and guidance in raising children and managing society.

Proverbs 29:1-2 (NKJV)
1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

Those who stubbornly resist correction, even after repeated warnings, face sudden and irreversible consequences. This principle applies to individuals as well as nations, warning that unchecked rebellion leads to disaster. The second verse contrasts the joy people feel under righteous leadership with the suffering and distress experienced under wicked rulers, showing the impact that leadership can have on a community’s well-being.

Proverbs 29:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it.

A wise son brings joy to his father, living a life of purpose and integrity, while those who engage in reckless and immoral behavior squander their resources. A ruler who upholds justice strengthens and stabilizes his nation, but corruption, such as accepting bribes, weakens the nation and leads to its downfall.

Proverbs 29:5-6 (NKJV)
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices.

Flattery can be deceptive, trapping both the one who gives it and the one who receives it, leading to harmful outcomes. In contrast, the righteous person avoids such snares and lives with joy. The wicked, on the other hand, are trapped by their own sins, living in fear and turmoil, while the righteous enjoy peace and contentment.

Proverbs 29:7-8 (NKJV)
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.

A righteous person has concern for the poor and works toward justice, while the wicked lack empathy and understanding for their needs. The second verse reveals how divisive and reckless people can incite chaos and violence in a community, while the wise bring calm and resolution to conflict, restoring peace and order.

Proverbs 29:9-10 (NKJV)
9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being.

Arguing with a fool is fruitless, as their reactions, whether in anger or mockery, only lead to frustration and disorder, rather than productive outcomes. Meanwhile, those driven by violence and evil despise those who live upright lives, but the righteous work to protect and support those who are innocent and just.

Proverbs 29:11-12 (NKJV)
11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked.

Foolish people lack self-control and impulsively express their emotions, while wise people practice restraint and discretion. The second verse highlights the corrupting influence of a ruler who listens to falsehoods. When lies dominate leadership, those around the ruler follow suit, resulting in widespread corruption and moral decay.

Proverbs 29:13-14 (NKJV)
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever.

Despite the disparity between the poor and the oppressor, God gives life and understanding to all, reminding us that both are under His sovereignty. A ruler who is fair and just in dealing with the poor secures his reign, demonstrating that righteous judgment upholds both his authority and the stability of the nation.

Proverbs 29:15-17 (NKJV)
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.

Discipline is essential in raising children, as it leads to wisdom and responsibility. A lack of discipline results in shame and distress for the parents. As wickedness increases in a society, so does sin, but the righteous will witness the eventual downfall of the wicked. Correcting children with love and guidance brings peace and joy to parents, benefiting the whole family.

Proverbs 29:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.
19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; for though he understands, he will not respond.

Without divine guidance and vision, people lose self-control and fall into chaos, but those who follow God's law find happiness and order. A servant who is resistant to correction will not change through words alone; practical discipline is often necessary to bring about real change in behavior.

Proverbs 29:20-21 (NKJV)
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him as a son in the end.

Speaking without thought or wisdom is a dangerous habit that can lead to greater folly. There is more hope for someone who is openly foolish than for someone who rushes to speak without care. The second verse suggests that if a servant is treated with kindness and respect from a young age, he may develop into a loyal and trusted companion, even like a son.

Proverbs 29:22-23 (NKJV)
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.

A person who is constantly angry creates conflict and invites trouble into their life, often multiplying their own sins through reckless behavior. Pride leads to downfall and disgrace, while those who embrace humility will be honored and respected.

Proverbs 29:24-25 (NKJV)
24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Partnering with wrongdoing, such as theft, shows disregard for one’s own well-being. A person involved in crime may try to cover it up but ultimately traps himself. Trusting in people’s opinions and fearing them leads to entrapment, but trusting in God provides security and freedom from fear.

Proverbs 29:26-27 (NKJV)
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

People often seek favor from powerful leaders, but true justice and fairness come only from God. The righteous and the wicked stand in opposition to each other, each finding the ways of the other repulsive. The righteous despise injustice, while the wicked are hostile toward those who live righteously.

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