Proverbs 29

Written on 05/09/2024

Verse 1

  • Especially during times when people try to correct you multiple times for your wrongs, if you do not listen, you will fall greatly, and there will be no help for you. You will have to suffer all the consequences.

    • Listen to correction early! Otherwise, eventually you will come to a point where it will be hopeless for you.

 

Verse 9

  • Don't strive or argue with someone who is foolish or stubborn. Don't even go there. No matter his reaction, there will never be solutions or peace. Pray for them, but when you spot a fool, you will often have to move on.

    • How to spot a fool?

      • They are right in their own eyes and trust in themselves (12:15, 28:26)

      • They hate correction and instruction from others (1:7)

      • They don't treat sin seriously (14:9)

      • They slander, gossip, and hide their hatred of others (10:18)

      • They practice mischief for fun (10:23)

      • Their speech is foul and perverse (19:1)

      • They trust in their own knowledge (28:26)

      • They vent everything they think (29:11) 

      • They blurt out stupid things (12:23)

      • They are complacent and lazy (1:32)

      • They are argumentative, quick to start a quarrel (20:3)

      • They disrespect their parents (15:20)

      • They are clamorous and loud (9:13)

      • They are unashamed of their sin and openly proclaim it (13:16)

      • They hate the thought of stopping their sin (13:19)

      • They're interested only in their own hearts and expressing themselves (18:2)

      • They're easily angered and their anger is heavy to deal with (27:3)

 

Verse 11

  • It is stupid to want to express all your feelings. Not all feelings or thoughts are meant to be expressed. Be reserved with your thoughts, and speak only what will be helpful.

 

Verse 15, 17

  • Discipline your children, and use a rod. This will bring you peace in your mind and home.

    • You will make your child wiser and more intelligent if you spank them. But if you let them get their way, or let them grow up without discipline, they will bring shame and embarrassment to you and many others. 

 

Verse 18

  • People don't restrain themselves from sin if they don't have guidance directly from God and accountability to obey. The world needs the Bible!

    • Remember that you and all people need God's Word if you will be motivated to stop sinning. And if you obey the Word, you will be joyful!

 

Verse 19

  • Remember that words alone, no matter how clear, are not enough to motivate obedience in people. 

    • In our own lives, we need accountability, fear of consequences, fear of God, etc., to be motivated.

    • In cases where those of us are in positions of authority, if our only reaction to poor performance or disobedience is mere words, disobedience will only continue. 

      • In any level of authority, enact consequences if you want to motivate progress. 

 

Verse 20

  • Similar to a person who is right in his own eyes, a person who is quick to speak is more hopeless than a total fool, and there is not much hope for a fool (Proverbs 27:22). 

    • If there is any social behavior to avoid, avoid talking too much, and don't be quick to speak. You will not be able grow if you hang on to a habit of hasty speech. 

 

Verse 22

  • If you don't have control over your anger, you will create lots of conflict with others, and you will cause yourself many other sins. 

    • Amongst any struggles you many have, if anger is one of them, focus on repenting of that anger most. It is a root of much sin.

 

Verse 23

  • You may have many great accomplishments, but if you are prideful, you will still be despised by others. You won't have much respect if you are prideful. 

    • Don't try to be great by accomplishing much. Be humble; this makes you great.

 

Verse 25

  • When you know that you are supposed to obey the Word in an area, but you are afraid of what people might think or say if you do, you will be stopped from obeying. This is how the fear of man snares you. It prevents your obedience.

    • If you struggle with the fear of man, it will hinder a lot of obedience to the Word in your life. Prioritize repenting of this fear if it is an issue. 

 

Verse 27

  • Remember that if being godly means that you will hate ungodliness (Proverbs 8:13, Romans 12:9), then ungodly people will certainly hate your godliness. 

    • Don't be surprised or discouraged when sinners disapprove of your godly actions. This shows that you stand out as a godly person.