When Pride, Corrupt Rule, and the Fear of Man Lead the Heart Astray.

Proverbs 29 is a weighty chapter about correction, leadership, justice, self-control, humility, and trust in the Lord. It warns that a hardened heart, corrupt rule, flattering speech, uncontrolled anger, pride, and the fear of man all become snares that damage both individuals and whole communities. At the same time, the chapter shows that righteous authority brings joy, just care for the poor establishes stability, and wise restraint marks a heart governed by truth. It also stresses that correction is necessary in both personal and family life, because unchecked folly only multiplies shame and disorder. Taken together, Proverbs 29 calls the reader to receive reproof, reject pride, pursue justice, and rest in the safety that comes from trusting the Lord rather than human favor.

Proverbs 29:1 – 29:27

  1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
  2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
  3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance.
  4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
  5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
  6 In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
  7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].
  8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath.
  9 [If] a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, [there is] no rest.
  10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
  11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards.
  12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.
  13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the Lord lighteneth both their eyes.
  14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
  15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.
  16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
  17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
  18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.
  19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
  20 Seest thou a man [that is] hasty in his words? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.
  21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become [his] son at the length.
  22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
  23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
  24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.
  25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
  26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but [every] man’s judgment [cometh] from the Lord.
  27 An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.