PROVERBS Chapter 29
You’re Gonna Break Your Neck 29:1 Compare with Jeremiah 19:10-11 and Proverbs 1:24-33. We talk about people being “beyond help” or “beyond reform”, but this verse reveals that what put them “beyond” was their own stubbornness and refusal to repent. Note, the verse clearly infers that such a person was given many opportunities to correct themselves (“after much reproof”). “We can do two things with advice; take it or leave it” (Alden p. 199). This verse “promises that one day, by some means, the wicked in fact will fall. The implicit warning here is that one should heed rebukes when they are given” (Garrett p. 228). God won’t save everyone in the end. There is a danger in becoming defiant and refusing to repent. Defiance can become like a chip on one’s shoulder, and the “pride” in being one’s own person, a non-conformist, or a rebel, can keep us from listening to a remedy that could prevent our own destruction. Often the unrepentant individual has convinced themselves that there will always be one more chance. The end often comes quickly for those who are defiant.
A People’s Happiness 29:2 Compare with 28:12,28; 29:16. Things go well in a nation when good and honest people are in positions of power. This principle was not only true in Israel, but in other nations as well (Jonah 3; Jeremiah 18:1ff). “The moral of the story is work hard for good government, and if you don’t, then don’t complain when it’s bad” (Alden p. 199). Wicked leaders will naturally oppress any people. Good policies, fair legislation and taxes cannot come from people who are wicked. “When society is good, society is happy; when evil rules, society is miserable” (Garrett p. 228). People will always suffer under corrupt rulers.
A Father’s Joy
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29:3 Compare with 28:7, 10:1. The inference is that wisdom will keep one from adopting a sinful lifestyle. In addition, the wise man isn’t deceived by the false promises of adultery, fornication, prostitution, pornography, etc…Wisdom is very practical! The wise person doesn’t squander their resources, including the family inheritance. Sin is never free!
A Country’s Stability 29:4 Note how a nation’s security is inherently linked with the personal morality of those who are in power. The rule of law (justice) brings stability, but bending or breaking the law undermines the security of any nation. “This pair of proverbs creates a parallel between the son who squanders his family estate and a ruler who squanders the wealth of his nation through corruption. In both cases lust or greed destroys a heritage” (Garrett p. 228). The verse seems to suggest that the people in a nation tend to adopt the moral or immoral mindset of their leaders. Compare with 1 Kings 3:16-28.
Flattery 29:5 Compare with 28:23. We have already learned in this book that words are very powerful. One’s self-esteem can be ruinously inflated by flattery, “which entangles its victim, by the craving it induces and by the ill-judged actions it invites” (Kidner p. 46). Note, that the person who is being flattered is apparently the one in this verse who is harmed. One of the “traps” in life to avoid is flattery. In our time when so much of an emphasis is placed on self-esteem, or a false sense of self-esteem, this verse needs to be taken seriously. We aren’t doing people any favors by saying positive and uplifting things to them, if what we say isn't true. So let us be careful that we don’t become so “positive” that we end up creating people who are arrogant and overconfident.
Sin’s Entanglement 29:6 Every sin has a built in snare or trap. One can’t simply dabble or flirt with sin. The righteous man in this verse isn’t happy when he sees sinners entrapped, rather only the righteous person can enjoy a sense of security. Serving God enables you to live a happy and carefree life, you don’t need to worry about the consequences of your actions coming back to haunt you. “Innocence goes singing and rejoicing on its way” (Kidner p. 173). The truth sets us free from so many traps and entanglements! (John 8:31-32) Do we really 2
appreciate the freedom that we have in Christ? When we are tempted to envy sinners, take a good look and see the problems that they have brought upon themselves.
Care For The Poor 29:7 Godly men and women want to see justice and mercy rather than oppression extended to the poor. But wicked people don’t care whether the poor are treated fairly or not. In fact, they don’t even think about such things. In reality, the only true champions of the poor are the righteous. Christians are concerned about the poor, not because it’s politically correct, or in the hope of getting more votes, but because it is the right thing to do. “Compassion for the needs of others flows out of a heart that is right with God while wicked men are insensitive to the poor” (Alden p. 200).
Troublemakers/Peacemakers 29:8 The term “scorners” refers to people who set themselves against the things of God and spiritual truths. “Men who laugh at moral obligations and stir up the baser passions of their fellow citizens” (Gaebelein p. 1113). Many of the protests during the 60’s were led by scorners. But wise men are able to handle tense situations and bring peace. “Unprincipled people try to turn society upside down. They inflame others and are not averse to resorting to violence (10). The wise, however, restore order to the streets and justice system” (Garrett p. 230).
Controversy With A Fool 29:9 “The general sense is clear: there is no arguing calmly with a fool” (Kidner p. 174). The inference is that fools could care less about what is right, true, or logical, rather they will adopt any tactics to win an argument. This verse might also refer to what happens when one meets a fool in a court of law. ‘He cannot appreciate or distinguish the good or the bad, the ugly or the beautiful, the safe from the dangerous. He treats all people, regardless of the honor they deserve, in the same stupid way. Elsewhere the proverbs counsel corporeal punishment as the only kind that makes an impression, and then only very slowly (10:13; 18:6; 19:29; 26:3)” (Alden p. 201).
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Good Men Persecuted 29:10 “The very presence of an honest man among the wicked is a silent rebuke to them….They hate him so much that they want to see him dead; better to kill him than to face his silent testimony against their sin” (Alden p. 201). The upright individual is concerned for the life of the good man who is being abused. “Bloodthirsty men loathe the integrity of the upright. Because the wicked despise all sense of decency or integrity, they seek to destroy it” (Gaebelein p. 1113).
Self-Control 29:11 Yet even when faced with unreasonable individuals, the wise man is still able to keep himself under control. “The wise man controls himself in any confrontation with a fool” (Garrett p. 230). The word “temper” in this verse is the Hebrew word for “wind”, “implying that the fool gives ‘full vent’ or shoots off his mouth about things that make him mad” (Alden p. 201). It takes wisdom to restrain anger. “The fool is the slave of every impulse and is at the mercy of every moment when he chances to feel irritation” (Gaebelein p. 1114). Compare with 14:17,29; 16:32; 25:28. Line 2 literally reads, ‘but a wise man calms it back’. It speaks of anger which is overcome and has been harnessed for righteous ends, and not merely checked (Ephesians 4:26).
False Master, False Men 29:12 “They are so because they deceive him, and they become so; for instead of saying the truth which the ruler does not wish to hear, they seek to gain his favor by deceitful flatteries, misrepresentations, exaggerations, falsehoods” (Kidner p. 175). If a ruler only listens to lies, then his advisors, or those who remain in his favor, will be men who cater to his depravity. See 1 Kings 22. “A king, a president, or any chief executive officer must set a high standard and rigorously maintain it or face the consequences of corruption running rampant in his administration” (Garrett p. 230). “Courtiers adjust themselves to the prince— when they see that deception and court flattery win the day, they learn how the game is played” (Gaebelein p. 1114).
One Sky Over All
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29:13 This verse is a reminder of common blessings to all men. Jesus stated the same truth in Matthew 5:44-45. Does this verse suggest that, “both are fully aware of the sin that is being committed and that God Himself has His eye on both of them, the eye of judgment on the oppressor and the eye of mercy on the poor?” (Alden p. 201). Regardless of status or circumstances, all people receive their life and ability to see, from God. God is kind to oppressors! (Luke 6:35).
The King Who Wins Loyalty 29:14 “The test of a man in power, and his hidden strength, is the extent to which he keeps faith with those who can put the least pressure on him” (Kidner p. 175). The king who keeps his eyes open to the poor and treats them fairly will be blessed with happy people and a stable administration. But how many of their world’s rulers have been completely blind to the above truth?
Rod And Reproof 29:15 Note that God believes to both kinds of discipline. Mere verbal correction won’t get the job done, but neither will simply punitive discipline. There must be a good balance between communication, instruction, encouragement, and the last resort. An occasional spanking is a healthy thing in any home, but children who aren’t corrected will end up shaming themselves and their parents. “Those who do not discipline their children suffer grievous embarrassment; those who do will be at ease, able to trust their children and delighted with the children’s growth and accomplishments” (Garrett p. 231). Note that a spanking imparts wisdom! It doesn’t teach children to be violent or hateful, rather, it imparts wisdom. A child who gets his own way or who is left to himself is allowed to do as he pleases and have whatever he wants. Early on in life children must learn that they can’t always do what they want, that the world doesn’t revolve around their needs, and that they can’t always have what they want. The verse infers that children aren’t born with an inherent sense of knowing which is the right way and which is the wrong way. It is naïve to believe that we can just let children raise themselves and they will naturally find the right path in life.
Evil Outlived
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29:16 Compare with Habakkuk 2:2-4, 12-14. Evil will naturally end up destroying the men and women who serve it. “The verse promises that right will triumph but doesn’t say how long it will take” (Alden p. 202). “No matter how much wickedness spreads in the land, righteousness will live to see it destroyed” (Gaebelein p. 1115). Even those of us who are younger have seen very wicked people come and then go. We have seen burned out hippies, and how AIDS put a big damper on the sexual revolution. This verse “repeats the notion that as ruthless people come to the forefront, society begins to experience widespread moral decay” (Garrett p. 231).
Through Discipline To Delight 29:17 What a wonderful and refreshing concept. We will end up having a wonderful relationship with our children—not by trying to be their buddy, but by being a loving parent! Too many parents worry that their children will resent godly discipline, this verse actually teaches the opposite. A disciplined child will bring contentment to parents.
No Vision 29:18 The “vision” in the passage appears to be what would come through a prophet, i.e., revelation from God. In fact, the side reference for the word “vision” is “revelation”. Hence, the word “vision” here does not refer to one’s ability to formulate goals and work toward them. The word “unrestrained” means, “to let loose, i.e. to let one’s hair down”, compare with Exodus 32:25. Points To Note: 1. When people ignore God’s revelation, when the word isn’t being preached in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2), a society can expect spiritual and political anarchy. 2. People cannot govern themselves. When people ignore the Bible, they will cast off moral restraints. 3. The verse establishes the need for people to submit to the word of God. 4. “In showing the dependence of public morality on the knowledge of God” (Kidner p. 176). Therefore, how unwise for a people to say, “There must be a complete separation between religious principles and government policy”, or, “You cannot legislate morality” (which is just as naïve and believing that you cannot legislate immorality). 5. But note the end of the verse! Even during such low points in the history of any nation, a righteous man or woman can still keep God’s law!
Stubborn Servant
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29:19 This verse, combined with verse 21, suggests that discipline is needed for one’s servants as well as for one’s sons. This is true for all of us, there are times in our lives when words aren’t enough to move or motivate us. In addition, there is a “slave mentality”, unresponsive and irresponsible. The same mentality is found among a good number of modern employees. But the Christian servant or employee will rise above it (1 Timothy 6:1-2). In addition, the verse is elevating the servant, for basically the verse says that servants need to be given the same type of training which is given to your own sons! Note the last line (one truly appreciated by any manager)—people hear, yet they act like they haven’t heard anything you said.
The Fool Outclassed 29:20 The prospects for the fool are better, because rash speech, speaking without thinking, cannot be easily remedied (see James 3:8). A tremendous amount of damage can be done by somebody who doesn’t guard their tongue. “In all the verses of Proverbs only two kinds of men rank lower than a fool; the man who is ‘wise in his own eyes’ (26:12), and now ‘the man who speaks in haste’. ‘Talk is cheap’ goes the saying. It may also be insensitive, malicious, foolish, destructive, wasteful and indiscreet” (Alden pp. 202-203). The verse does infer that a fool can stop being a fool. Even the fool can be saved!
Pampered Servant 29:21 Translators and commentators are in disagreement concerning the word “son” at the end of this verse. Some translate this end line, “he will bring grief in the end”. The final word in the verse is a rare one (manon). Some say this Hebrew word comes from a root which means to have offspring, others say it means to “make weak, or be a weakling”. The translators of the Septuagint believed that this Hebrew word meant “grief”. Most believe that the sense of the verse is, “Servants are to be disciplined just as children are or they will become worthless liabilities” (Alden p. 203).
Storm-Center 29:22 The words “angry” and “hot-tempered” describe the general disposition of such a man—and not some temporary or momentary state. Sinful anger is a root behind many sins. Including, cursing, insulting others, misusing God’s 7
name, being rude, lacking kindness, being cruel and oppressive, and being proud. Yet many people tend to excuse such out-bursts of anger, arguing that that they will eventually cool off. But God says that people who lose their tempers will cause problems wherever they go. You just cannot have a hottemper and stay out of sin at the same time. There should be a warning here to all young people to avoid marrying such a person—for they will cause strife in your home!
Pride And Humility 29:23 Yet, our society argues that the self-confident and self-reliant person will achieve the most. “The man who demands respect will be humiliated by receiving none while the man who claims nothing will be honored. God delights in reversing the ways of men (Matthew 23:12; Proverbs 3:34)” (Alden p. 203). “Ironically pride, by which a person seeks to elevate himself, actually results in his being brought low…God hates pride, because it influences a person to live independently of Him” (Bible Knowledge Comm. pp. 968-969).
Suicidal Complicity 29:24 “An accomplice in crime will find no easy way out of his dilemma” (Gaebelein p. 1117). “According to Leviticus 5:1ff, if someone has direct knowledge of the circumstances of a crime, hears a public call to come and give testimony about that crime, but fails to do so, then the silent witness will himself be culpable…The call to testify is actually a curse pronounced on anyone who will not testify” (Garrett pp. 222-223). Note, engaging in sin is hating yourself (Proverbs 6:32). The idea could also be, “He is really partner with a thief who, being called on to testify, saying nothing” (Kidner p. 177). “The person who does not speak up or testify is actually held responsible for the crime he has witnessed.
If God Be For Us 29:25 The fear of man ensnares in the sense that one’s actions are controlled or confined by the person who is dreaded. Security in the Lord removes intimidation by man. See John 12:42-43. The desire to please men locks us into transient and imperfect goals. “The proverb’s teaching is clear; wean yourself away from what other people expect and do what God expects” (Alden p. 204).
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Fearing the Lord—releases us from every other fear (Acts 5:29). This verse describes any situation in which one is anxious about not offending another person. “For example, someone might be afraid to oppose the unethical actions of a superior out of fear of losing a job. The verse tells the reader to do what is right and trust the outcome of Yahweh” (Garrett p. 233).
The Source Of True Justice
29:26 “The great miscalculation is to assume that true justice depends on some ruler and that supplication must be directed first to him….Proverbs deplores immoral (clinging or corrupt) reliance’s on human (especially, political) power” (Gaebelein p. 1118). “The picture becomes clearer when we think of how people ‘honor’ government more than the Lord today. How many pay income tax without hesitation yet balk at giving God his due? Who do we trust more to protect our rights, the courts or God? Do we run first to a lawyer or judge, or to the Lord?” (Alden p. 204). We need to have more faith in God than in human institutions. “These two verses, coming near the end of so many proverbs on corruption and injustice in society, call the reader back to the reality that the Bible after all is not a book about social reform but calls for committed faith in Yahweh” (Garrett p. 233). In addition, seeking the favor of the ruler so often tends to compromise people. Remember, rulers are simply human beings, who are themselves the servants of appetites and pressures (Acts 24:25-27), irrationality (1 Corinthians 2:6,8), and instability (Psalm 146:3-4), “which rob their interventions of all trustworthiness” (Kidner p. 177).
Mutual Dislike 29:27 “The righteous are so concerned for honesty that they, like God, hate what is dishonest. And the distaste of the wicked for the upright reveals their perverse values” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 969). “Common interests and mutual attraction at various levels may mask their enmity; nothing can mend it” (Kidner p. 177). “The universe lines up on one side or another; the choices we make in life are clear evidence of which side we have chosen” (Alden p. 204).
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