Prov 29 Nkjv (2024)

FAQs

What is the main message of Proverbs 29? ›

A common theme in Prov. 29:8–18 is the contrast between the wise and the foolish man. Furthermore, at Prov. 29:9–10 Solomon writes about the interaction between a wise man and a scoffer, noting, “If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

It is tempting to bicker with an irrational, unfair, immoral person. One feels a natural desire to silence a fool, if for no other reason than to stop hearing their nonsense (Proverbs 27:3). That's not always a good idea (Proverbs 26:4), nor is it always possible.

As a general-case statement, the lesson here reminds that empty words are not enough to maintain order. For servants—or, in a modern context, employees—a manager needs to be ready to enact consequences. If it becomes clear that the only response to disobedience is a lecture, defiance will only increase.

Discipline, properly measured and administered, teaches a child to avoid wrongdoing and to do what is pleasing to the Lord and his parents (Proverbs 8:32–35; 29:15). A child needs to learn early to distinguish right from wrong. This instruction must begin in the home.

The wisdom taught in Proverbs is godly wisdom, which has three basic characteristics: the fear of the Lord, spirituality, and skill. Fearing the Lord means having a deep reverence and respect for God and his Word, a respect and reverence that result in obedience.

Failing to do what we know to do is the definition of foolishness. Therefore, the chief aim of the book of Proverbs is to bring divine truth into proper focus, enabling us to look at life through God's eyes—from His eternal, all-knowing point of view—and then live accordingly.

But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." Our proverb on relationships in our verse today emphasizes that we must quietly hold back our anger and not vent it on another.

"Flattery" refers to undue compliments or excessive praise. Being flattered presents temptation, whether the flatterer is sincere or not. A dishonest flatterer, of course, is manipulating others (Proverbs 6:24; 26:28) by lying (Proverbs 6:16–19).

A king—or any government—who rightly applies justice contributes to his kingdom's stability and peace. However, greedy leaders who accept bribes and other forms of corruption make the nation unstable. A nation ruled by selfish, greedy people is prone to collapse.

This verse returns to the crucial danger posed by a hot temper (Proverbs 14:17; 19:19; 25:28). Uncontrolled tempers cause trouble no matter what the situation. A hot-headed church member stirs up strife in business meetings and conversations (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10).

What is the meaning of Proverbs 29 20? ›

Proverbs 29:20 calls us to think before we speak.

So God is saying before you speak, before you say anything, be intentional today just to stop and think first, and spend even just a second or two thinking.

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation.

This verse emphasizes the extraordinary value of God's Word. Before the Bible was complete, God revealed His will through prophets. They communicated God's messages to the people. Solomon observes that the absence of divine revelation leads to moral and spiritual decline.

Proverbs 29:21 Meaning and Commentary

he will expect to be used as a son; he will not care to do any servile work, or anything, especially that is hard and laborious; he will be for supplanting the son and heir, and think to inherit all himself; or, however, become proud, haughty, and saucy.

This verse issues a warning to anyone who is an accomplice in a crime, specifically thievery. Helping a lawbreaker means being partly responsible for the criminal act. If someone is brought into court, and charged with abetting a criminal, they are in deep trouble. The partner to a thief, then, is his own enemy.

Proverbs reminds us that God concerns Himself not just with the big, cataclysmic events of life but even those mundane, “invisible” moments in our lives as well. Are you following God, even in those seemingly “small” circ*mstances? Allow Proverbs to refocus your attention on all the hidden moments of your life.

The proverbs focus as much on the quirks of human nature as they do on the basic behavior of a righteous person and on man's proper relationship to God. Because the proverbs address such varied topics, a verse in Proverbs often has no connection to the verses before or after it.

A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he's probably planning to take advantage of you.