Proverbs 29:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

NIV: Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.

NASB: Arrogant people inflame a city, But wise people turn away anger.

CSB: Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.

NLT: Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger.

KJV: Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

NKJV: Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath.

"Scoffers" are those who arrogantly laugh at godly truth (Proverbs 1:7). They don't merely reject it—they consider it ridiculous. They refuse to consider it, or to discuss it fairly (Proverbs 29:9). The "scoffer" is the person who treats godliness as a joke and doesn't even attempt to understand it (Proverbs 9:8; 13:1; 21:24). This proverb notes that such attitudes lead to chaos (Proverbs 11:11). The original Hebrew uses phrasing related to blowing on the embers of a fire to make the flames grow. Ridicule for morality and order can turn tragedy into catastrophe. Both spiritually and tangibly, being a "scoffer" instead of a peacemaker (Proverbs 15:1; Romans 12:18) spreads misery and strife. This is part of the pattern seen in the book of Judges (Judges 21:25).

Wise persons refuse to enable mob rule, join a riot, act as vigilantes (Romans 12:19) or sneer at law and order. Instead, they provide a calming presence that is more likely to result in actual justice being done (Proverbs 14:34; 21:5). They obey the call to pray for "kings and all who are in high positions" in hopes we can "lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:2).

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.