Proverbs
Chapter 29
Those who resist correction will be brought low suddenly and irreparably.
When the virtuous rule, the people are happy, but they groan when the wicked are in power.
He who loves wisdom makes his father happy, but whoever maintains prostitutes will lose his wealth.
Through justice, a king makes his country prosper, but the extortioner leads it to ruin.
The one who flatters his neighbor sets a trap at his feet.
In the wicked man’s sins, there’s a trap for himself, while the upright man continues with joy.
The virtuous man cares about the problems of the poor; however, the evildoer understands nothing.
Mockers cause disturbances in the city, but the wise ignore the trouble.
When the wise man debates with the fool, whether he’s annoyed or joking, he won’t reach any progress.
The violent hate the innocent man, but the virtuous seek his presence.
The fool unleashes his rage, while the wise man controls it.
When a ruler relies on false reports, all his officials become corrupt.
The poor man and the usurer share something in common: both receive their existence from God.
The king who judges the poor fairly will uphold his throne forever.
Both the stick and rebuke provide wisdom, while the spoiled child brings shame to his mother.
When the wicked govern, sin increases, but the virtuous will see their defeat.
Correct your son, and he will bring you peace; you will find happiness in him.
When prophets are absent, the people lose control; blessed is he who follows the law.
A slave is not corrected by words; even if he understands, he will ignore them.
Do you see a man eager to speak? There is more hope for a fool.
If you spoil your slave from childhood, he will end up a rebel.
The quick-tempered man causes arguments; his anger increases his sins.
A man’s pride can lead to his humiliation, but those who humble themselves will gain honor.
He who shares with the thief harms himself, even you who stayed silent when you should have denounced him.
Being afraid of people is a trap, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be safe.
Many seek a ruler’s favor, but each person’s fate is determined by God.
The upright man despises the wicked, and the evildoer hates the honest man.
Commentaries
Fifth Collection.
Alternating with various sayings, the author skillfully incorporates a description of a time that brought great pain and ruin to the people. He references the king, his court, and his ministers, all of whom were committed to injustice and poor leadership. But amid it all, there is a glimmer of hope that we must fight for and cling to against all odds. “When a king judges the needy fairly, his throne is established forever” (14), an allusion to the hope for a just king like King David, which will inspire messianic expectations: only a messenger of God, his anointed one or messiah, can judge fairly. Another sign of hope during such oppressive times is that “When the wicked rule, crimes increase, but the upright will see them fall” (16); sayings like these kept the small flame of faith and hope alive for the people.
Fifth Collection.
Once again, wisdom calls for discernment and an organized, upright life. It does not matter that there are no prophets or teachers; there is the Law of the Lord and the natural feeling of respect for oneself and others. In times of crisis, a right conscience helps us stand firm.