Friday, September 10, 2010

Proverbs 29

1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes 

will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; 

when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, 

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.


4 By justice a king gives a country stability, 

but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

5 Whoever flatters his neighbor 

is spreading a net for his feet.

6 An evil man is snared by his own sin, 

but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, 

but the wicked have no such concern.

8 Mockers stir up a city, 

but wise men turn away anger.

9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, 

the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity 

and seek to kill the upright.

11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, 

but a wise man keeps himself under control.

12 If a ruler listens to lies, 

all his officials become wicked.

13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: 

The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, 

his throne will always be secure.

15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, 

but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, 

but the righteous will see their downfall.

17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; 

he will bring delight to your soul.

18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; 

but blessed is he who keeps the law.

19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; 

though he understands, he will not respond.

20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? 

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 If a man pampers his servant from youth, 

he will bring grief in the end.

22 An angry man stirs up dissension, 

and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

23 A man's pride brings him low, 

but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; 

he is put under oath and dare not testify.

25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, 

but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, 

but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.

27 The righteous detest the dishonest; 

the wicked detest the upright.

Questions to consider:

  • Contrast the righteous and wicked as to their (a) temperament and (b) ultimate end.
  • Explain verse 18. How does this verse relate to the section on discipline?
  • What negative qualities observed here do you need to get rid of in your own life?
  • What is the paradox in verse 23?

Possibilities for prayer:

Have you ever, in anger, said or done something that you regretted, maybe even immediately afterward? I know I have! Verse 11 describes such an action as foolish--and having experienced that kind of action, I would definitely agree with the author on that point. Today, let’s ask God for an increase in self-control. Let’s ask that we would learn how to control our anger, and to speak and act wisely rather than foolishly.