(Prov 29:1 NASB) A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
Prov 29:1: If one ignores correction for too long, they will be broken beyond any possibility of healing (Zech. 1:3-6, Prov. 1:24-33).
(Prov 29:2 NASB) When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan.
Prov 29:2: Not to name names, but….
(Prov 29:3 NASB) A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.
Prov 29:3: This has been a common theme in Proverbs. A wise son makes his father glad. “Stay away from harlots, son…”
(Prov 29:4 NASB) The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
Prov 29:4: The land has stability through justice. The Psalms tell us that one of the foundations of the throne of the Father is justice (Psalm 89:14).
(Prov 29:5 NASB) A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.
Prov 29:5: Flattery is an attempt to persuade through insincere speech.
(Prov 29:6 NASB) By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.
(Prov 29:7 NASB) The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern.
Prov 29:7: Verse 7 is better translated in the NKJV:
(Prov 29:7 NKJV) The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
The term “rights” is often misused today. The better term is “cause” in this case. The righteous is concerned for the cause of the poor. Also, the Hebrew word for “concern” is almost always translated as “knowledge.” The wicked do not understand the knowledge of Torah which states to care for your poor brother among you.
(Prov 29:8 NASB) Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger.
(Prov 29:9 NASB) When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
Prov 29:9: A controversy with a fool is rarely calm and collective (Ecc. 10:12-13).
(Prov 29:10 NASB) Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright are concerned for his life.
(Prov 29:11 NASB) A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.
Prov 29:11: Controlling ones temper is one of the best signs of a wise man.
(Prov 29:12 NASB) If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked.
Prov 29:12: If a ruler pays attention to falsehoods and lies, his ministers will see that and attempt to fool the ruler. A ruler must be wise in his judgments.
(Prov 29:13 NASB) The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
Prov 29:13: The “oppressor” spoken of here is likely one who is a usurer, or one who lends at interest. Elohim has given life (light to the eyes) to both the poor man and the oppressor.
(Prov 29:14 NASB) If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.
Prov 29:14: Judgment must be without partiality to anyone (Deut. 1:17, 16:19-20).
(Prov 29:15 NASB) The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
Prov 29:15: A visit to the local Wal-Mart will illustrate this fact. It is interesting because the mother is the one to whom is brought shame. We see in Scripture that David was not the best father due to his lack of disciplining his sons (1 Kings 1:5-6).
(Prov 29:16 NASB) When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.
Prov 29:16: The righteous will outlive the wicked and see their fall.
(Prov 29:17 NASB) Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.
Prov 29:17: A son who has received correction is one whose parents will have comfort and rest much more so than the parents of a son who seeks trouble.
(Prov 29:18 NASB) Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.
Prov 29:18: Where there is no vision, or direction, the people are unrestrained, or “made naked.” This is in regard to sin. Consequently, happy and blessed are those who keep the Torah of Elohim and have vision and direction (Psalm 119:1-2, Luke 11:27-28, John 14:21-24, James 1:25).
(Prov 29:19 NASB) A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response.
Prov 29:19: If a servant is stubborn, it will take more than words to achieve results.
(Prov 29:20 NASB) Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Prov 29:20: James had this section of Proverbs in mind when he wrote his letter to the twelve tribes of Israel. We are to be slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19-20).
(Prov 29:21 NASB) He who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be a son.
Prov 29:21: Pampering is unsuitable treatment for a slave or a son. Pampering a slave from childhood will result in a servant that seeks priviledges and inheritance that does not belong to him.
(Prov 29:22 NASB) An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
Prov 29:22: This is more warning against losing ones temper.
(Prov 29:23 NASB) A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Prov 29:23: This is more contrast between pride and humility.
(Prov 29:24 NASB) He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing.
Prov 29:24: An accomplice of a thief will implicate himself by not testifying against him.
(Prov 29:25 NASB) The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.
Prov 29:25: Fearing man is a waste of time. We are to fear and trust in Elohim.
(Prov 29:26 NASB) Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.
Prov 29:26: We are to seek Elohim’s favor over that of a ruler.
(Prov 29:27 NASB) An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.
Prov 29:27: Those who are upright in the Way of Torah and those who are unjust and wicked are abominable to each other.
Patrick McGuire
Copyright 2014 Patrick McGuire and Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly All rights reserved, no portion of this Lesson may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly Fort Smith, Arkansas