Proverbs 29 - Printer Friendly

Chapter 25 began with a note indicating that King Hezekiah's men collected proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). This passage concludes that compilation.

This chapter begins with one of Scripture's most dire warnings: those who stubbornly refuse to be corrected will face sudden, inescapable harm. Other lessons contrast righteous and ungodly governments and the effect they have on their nations. Sin brings consequences; often the person who plans evil is harmed by their own scheme. Solomon also notes the chaotic danger of foolish thinking. He reiterates the need for discretion in who we argue with—and when (Proverbs 29:1–11).

Similar themes appear in the last verses of the passage. Solomon warns about the need for godly wisdom and the dangers of letting wickedness take over a culture. As God is the ultimate source of all truth and goodness, He is the only reliable source of justice. The divide between those who honor God and those who seek their own sin is drastic: both sides are thoroughly repulsed by how the other lives (Proverbs 29:12–27).

The last two chapters of the book of Proverbs include wisdom associated with a man named Agur, a king named Lemuel, and a famous description of a godly woman.

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.

Proverbs 29:12–27 completes the collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:21). This passage discusses various relationships. Common themes are interactions with government leaders, parental discipline, and authority figures. Solomon also makes comments about pride and the inherent conflict between righteousness and evil.

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.