What does Proverbs 16:29 mean?

Solomon described two kinds of evil people in the preceding verses (Proverbs 16:27–28). One was "worthless:" a villain who deliberately plotted evil. The other was "dishonest," using twisted words and lies. Here, evil is described in the form of violence. The Hebrew word translated "violence" here is hā'mās'. This includes brute force assault, as well as oppression or unjustness and cruelty. The term also evokes the lingering effects of violence, such as deprivation and abuse. This is the same term used to describe the men of the pre-flood world (Genesis 6:11). Men of violence are not only disobedient to God, they are also harsh and abusive to each other (Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 3:29).

Worse still is when the violent person persuades others to join in violent acts. Like Satan, he is not content to oppose God and all that is right; he drafts others into his evil activity. Revelation 12:3–4 mentions a great red dragon, Satan, who opposes God and God's people. In his rebellion against God, he led one third of the angels with him.

Paul warned Timothy about the dangers of evil people who lead others astray. Avoiding them, when possible, is key (1 Timothy 3:1–7). Instructions to resist evil also appear in Proverbs 1:10–15. These verses state, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood …throw in your lot with us' … my son, do not walk in the way with them."