“One who often rebuked and yet remains obstinate
Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked person rules, people groan.”

“A person who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But one who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
A king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a person who takes bribes tears it down.”

“A person who flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.
By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared,
But the righteous person sings and rejoices.”

“The righteous person knows the rights of the poor;
A wicked person does not understand such knowledge.
Scoffers set a city in flames,
But wise people turn away anger.”

“If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
The fool rages and laughs, and there is no rest.
People of bloodshed hate the blameless person,
But the upright care for his life.”

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
But a wise person quietly holds it back.
If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his servants become wicked.”

“The poor person and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
If a king judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.”

“The rod and a rebuke give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases;
But the righteous will see their downfall.”

“Discipline your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also delight your soul.
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
But happy is one who keeps the Law.”

“A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
For though he understands, there will be no response.
Do you see a person hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

“One who pampers his slave from childhood
Will in the end find him to be ungrateful.
An angry person stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered person increases wrongdoing.”

“A person’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the oath but does not testify.”

“The fear of man brings a snare,
But one who trusts in the Lord will be protected.
Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for a person comes from the Lord.”

“An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,
And one who is upright in the way
Is an abomination to the wicked.”

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Context and Meaning

Proverbs 29 deals with leadership, community, discipline, and the influence of righteousness or wickedness on society.
It contrasts the consequences of stubbornness versus humility, and it shows how justice, mercy, anger, and pride ripple outward into entire communities.

Solomon pulls together threads from earlier proverbs and applies them specifically to governance, relationships, and the fear of God.

Key Themes:

1. Stubbornness Leads to Destruction: Hard hearts eventually break (v. 1).
2. Righteous Rule Brings Joy: Wicked rule crushes the people (v. 2).
3. The Danger of Flattery: Flattering others lays traps (v. 5).
4. Justice for the Poor: The righteous care; the wicked do not understand (v. 7).
5. Emotional Self-Control: Fools vent; wise men restrain (v. 11).
6. The Power of Truth in Leadership: Corrupt leaders corrupt their followers (v. 12).
7. The Value of Discipline: Instruction brings wisdom (v. 15).
8. Need for Vision: Without revelation, people run wild (v. 18).
9. Hasty Speech: Rapid words signal deep folly (v. 20).
10. The Destructive Power of Anger: Anger multiplies sin (v. 22).
11. Pride vs. Humility: Pride sinks; humility lifts (v. 23).
12. Fear of Man vs. Fear of God: Trust in God brings security (v. 25).
13. Justice Comes from God Alone: Not from human rulers (v. 26).
14. Moral Polarization: The righteous and wicked naturally oppose each other (v. 27).

Reflection and Impact

Proverbs 29 provides some of the Bible’s clearest warnings for the heart:

• Stubbornness destroys – (v. 1) echoes Hebrews 3:15: “Do not harden your hearts.”
• Righteous leadership blesses – (v. 2) matches 1 Timothy 2:2: pray for leaders that we may live peacefully.
• True justice comes from God – (v. 26) aligns with Psalm 75:7: God puts down one and lifts up another.
• Ventless hearts are wise hearts – (v. 11) ties to James 1:19–20.
• Fear of man enslaves – (v. 25) parallels John 12:43 and Galatians 1:10.
• Humility is the way to honor – (v. 23) reflected in 1 Peter 5:6.
• Vision keeps the people grounded – (v. 18) matches Romans 10:17 and Psalm 119:105.

Application

• Cultivate a Soft Heart: Avoid the ruin of stubborn resistance to correction.
• Pursue Justice: Care for the poor; reject bribes and partiality.
• Restrain Emotion: Think before speaking; listen before venting.
• Seek God’s Vision: Stay anchored through Scripture and revelation.
• Walk in Humility: Honor follows the lowly.
• Reject the Fear of Man: Trust God for protection and approval.
• Lead with Integrity: Every role — parent, boss, friend, mentor — is leadership.
• Discipline with Love: Correction brings comfort, not harm.

Closing Thought

Proverbs 29 draws a dividing line:
The fear of man traps. The fear of the Lord frees.

Honor belongs not to the proud but to the humble.
Justice belongs not to princes but to God.
And wisdom belongs to those who receive correction, seek truth, and walk in the fear of the Lord.

“One who trusts in the Lord will be protected.”