Proverbs Chapter 29

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry 27 Verses

What is Proverbs 29 about?

Practical wisdom for daily life, family, work, and worship, all rooted in the fear of the LORD. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth [his] substance.
4The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
5A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know [it].
8Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath.
9If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
10The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life.
11A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.
12If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever.
15The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
16When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.
17Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
23A man`s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
26Many seek the ruler`s favor; But a man`s judgment [cometh] from Jehovah.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“He that being often reported hardeneth [his] neck, etc.] Or “a man of reproofs”f799; either a man that takes upon him to be a censurer and reprover of others, and is often at that work, and yet does those things himself which he censures and reproves in others; and therefore must have an impudent face and a hard heart a seared conscience and a stiff neck; his neck must be an iron sinew and his brow brass: or rather a man that is often reproved by others by parents by ministers of the Gospel, by the Lord himself, by the admonitions of his word and Spirit and by the correcting dispensations of his providence; and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“(Pro. 29:1-27) hardeneth . . . neck--obstinately refuses counsel (Kg2 17:14; Neh 9:16). destroyed--literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces." without remedy--literally, "without healing" or repairing.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Shall be destroyed - literally, “shall be broken” Proverbs 6:15. Stress is laid on the suddenness in such a case of the long-delayed retribution. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 4
“Judgment - By the free and impartial exercise of justice. Gifts - Bribes. Proverbs 29:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 3
“29:3 A man’s wisdom affects his parents (10:1; 15:20; 17:21). • Prostitutes cost money and a man’s wealth is rapidly wasted on them.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“He, that being often reproved: Heb. a man of reproofs, Pro 1:24-31; Sa1 2:25, Sa1 2:34; Kg1 17:1, Kg1 18:18, Kg1 20:42, Kg1 21:20-23; Kg1 22:20-23, Kg1 22:28, Kg1 22:34-37; Ch2 25:16, Ch2 33:10, Ch2 36:15-17; Jer 25:3-5; Jer 26:3-5, Jer 35:13-16; Zac 1:3-6; Mat 26:21-25; Joh 6:70, Joh 6:71; Joh 13:10, Joh 13:11, Joh 13:18, Joh 13:26; Act 1:18, Act 1:25 hardeneth: Ch2 36:13; Neh 9:29; Isa 48:4; Jer 17:23 shall: Pro 6:15, Pro 28:18; Isa 30:13, Isa 30:14; Zac 7:11-14; Th1 5:3 Proverbs 29:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · on verse 1
“A general ethical proverb here follows: A man often corrected who hardeneth his neck, Shall suddenly go to ruin without remedy. Line second = Pro 6:15. The connection אישׁ תּוכחות must make the nearest impression on a reader of the Book of Proverbs that they mean a censurer (reprehender), but which is set aside by what follows, for the genit. after אישׁ is, Pro 16:29; Pro 26:21; Pro 29:10; Pro 13:20, the designation of that which proceeds from the subject treated. And since תּוכחות, Psa 37:15; Job 23:4, denotes counter evidence, and generally rejoinders, thus in the first line a reasoner is designated who lets…”
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