Chapter 29

Chapter 29, Proverbs (in blue)

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Don't wait until it is too late to listen.)

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. (Just turn on the tv. No doubt this is true.)

Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it. (A leader who makes dirty deals leaves the door open for ruin.)

A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. (Most people who flatter you are just waiting for the opportunity to catch you off-guard.)

By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices.

The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge. (Hard-hearted people just don't "get" what it is like to be poor. They have no empathy.)

Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.

If a man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. (Arguing with some people is a waste of time and energy. You get burned either way.)

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being.

A fool vents his feelings, but a wise man holds them back. (Think before you speak. Respond; don't react. Don't say something you will regret. I could go on and on.)

If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants will become wicked. (If a leader listens to lies, his workers will say, "what's the point in trying?"

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever. (Leave a good legacy.)

The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. (Don't have babies and not teach them right from wrong. ---but don't abuse them either)

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.

Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul. (Don't let your children run wild. You will be glad you were corrected them.)

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law. (We, believers, need to let people see our faith so they can see God is real.)

A servant will not be corrected by mere words; for though he understands, he will not respond. (You gotta talk the talk and walk the walk.)

Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool  than for him.

He who pampers his servant from childhood will give him as a son in the end.

An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression. (Life is too short to be angry. Anger causes nothing but trouble.)

A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor. (Yep. I've seen this happen.)

Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he swears to tell the truth but reveals nothing. (Don't protect evil doers.)

The fear of a man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. (Fear can cripple you.)

Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for a man comes from the LORD.

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked. (Bad doesn't understand good; good doesn't understand bad.)