Proverbs 19:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.

NIV: Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

NASB: Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.

CSB: Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

NLT: Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.

KJV: Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

NKJV: Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.

Actions have consequences, both in this life and in eternity. Acting against godly wisdom leads a person into trouble. Here, Solomon summarizes those as "condemnation" and "beating." Whether literal or figurative, those who insist on acting foolishly are inviting disaster (Proverbs 10:13; 18:6). They might suffer legal consequences, social or personal harm, or even death. Worst of all, such attitudes put them at odds with the Lord, who will hold them accountable.

There have always been those who ignore or reject God's rule, unconcerned about the consequences. Someday God's judgment will fall on them unless they turn from their sin and believe on the Savior (John 3:16–18, 36). The apostle Paul warned the Athenians that God "has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). Some of the Athenians, like the fools mentioned in Proverbs 19:29, mocked Paul's words, but "some men joined him and believed" (Acts 17:34). The lines are drawn in similar fashion today: some mock the message of the gospel, but some believe. The first group will face eternal punishment (Revelation 20:10–15), but the other group will enjoy eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 8:1).

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

This series of proverbs is part of Solomon's writing on wisdom (Proverbs 10:1), a long chain continuing into chapter 22. As do other segments, this speaks on the harsh realities of poverty, the need for integrity, the dangers of laziness, the value of loving discipline, and the consequences of acting foolishly.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.