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Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29 traces how receiving correction and honoring YHWH shape conduct, while pride and injustice damage whole communities.

Kings establish justice or accept bribes, parents correct children, and wise people restrain anger while fools vent it. These collected sayings address readers learning how wisdom shapes life in households and public life. The chapter contrasts those who receive correction with those who resist it, and it traces the harm caused by pride and falsehood. Throughout, YHWH remains the source of life and justice, above the rulers whose favor people seek.

leadership weightparentinginjustice and anger
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1He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
7The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
8Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
9If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
15The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
16When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
18Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.
19A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
22An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
24Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
25The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from the LORD.
27A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
World English BibleRead in NIV in Psalmlog →Highlighted verses are the most connected.
Key verses
Proverbs 29:23The reversal of pride and humility gathers the chapter’s warnings about self-assurance into a contrast between humiliation and honor.
Proverbs 29:1The opening warning makes repeated resistance to correction a matter of ruin, setting the stakes for the sayings that follow.
Proverbs 29:15This saying brings the chapter’s concern with correction into the household, linking parental guidance with wisdom and neglect with shame.
Where this chapter reaches

Matthew and Luke share the reversal of pride and humility found here, while James and 1 Peter also link humility with honor from God. Psalm and Isaiah share the chapter’s concern for justice for the poor and its trust in YHWH above human power.

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After reading the whole chapter

Which contrast between wise and foolish speech helps you examine a recent conversation?

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Where might seeking someone’s favor compete with doing what is just?

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Questions people ask about Proverbs 29

What does Proverbs 29:18 mean by revelation?

Revelation here concerns guidance disclosed by God. The second half of the verse links blessing with keeping the law, which helps explain the first half: without divine instruction, people abandon restraint. The verse addresses a community’s response to God’s word; it does not describe the need for a personal ambition or organizational vision.

What does the rod of correction mean in Proverbs 29:15?

The rod refers to corporal discipline within the ancient household. The verse contrasts correction that teaches wisdom with leaving a child without guidance, and verse 17 returns to parental correction. This proverb supplies no detailed discipline method or limits; it gives no permission for abuse or for injuring a child.

What does the fear of man mean in Proverbs 29:25?

The fear of man is fear of human power or disapproval that can trap a person’s choices. The verse contrasts that snare with trusting YHWH. Verse 26 extends the contrast: people seek a ruler’s favor, yet justice comes from God. The safety described is no guarantee against every earthly harm.

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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).