Proverbs 29:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

NIV: A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

NASB: A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

CSB: A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.

NLT: The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

KJV: Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

NKJV: Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

Parents want their children to succeed. They also wish their children to be honorable; no parent hopes their children will become shameful or disgraceful. The book of Proverbs gives warnings about life choices for the sake of those making the decision (Proverbs 3:33–35; 22:4), but also so they don't embarrass their family through their sin (Proverbs 10:1; 27:11). Godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) is partly reflected in the company we choose to keep (Proverbs 13:20; 22:24; 28:7). Embracing or encouraging depravity—being a "companion" to it—is morally embarrassing.

The parable of the prodigal son describes a man who embarrassed himself, in part, by carousing with immoral people (Luke 15:11–13). That brought miserable consequences, including the loss of all his money. At the lowest point in his life, he decided to return home and beg forgiveness (Luke 15:14–16). The prodigal's patient, loving father celebrated that return. Because the son had wisely chosen to return home, his father rejoiced over his son's return (Luke 15:17–24). On the other hand, the young Jesus increased in wisdom and was respectful of His earthly parents (Luke 2:52). He must have given Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:16) much joy.

Proverbs 29:1–11 begins with an especially dire warning. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) contrasts righteous government to wicked rulers. The passage also cautions against deception and points out that righteousness is shown in being charitable to the poor. Arguing with fools is pointless, but there is great value in keeping one's temper in check.

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. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

This concludes the collection of Solomon's proverbs which King Hezekiah's men collected (Proverbs 25:1). Like previous passages, chapter 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, the benefits of heeding God's law and the devastating consequences of disobeying it, and the blessings of righteousness compared to the curses of sin.

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.