Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Too much criticism can cause people to be broken in spirit in Proverbs 29. As with previous chapters many of these ideas are repeated. Other sayings in this chapter are that men who complain a lot will trap all those around, but the wise can prevent anger.

Anyone who believes lies will have a lot of liars around them. Honest people and dishonest ones will always be in opposition. This means that when they seemingly are honest, but defend the dishonest, maybe they aren’t as reliable as you think they are.

A judge that treats the poor fairly will be in authority for a long time. True justice comes from the Lord. Discipline of a child benefits both the child and the parents. Pampering of a child leads to insolence.

Of course, we must have a proverb that tells us that anyone who visits prostitutes destroys his wealth. Justice and bribery destroy the stability of a nation. This is true of all levels of government.

Singing and rejoicing is an indication of the state of the heart. Again, we see that the way you treat the poor shows whether you are righteous or wicked. Mockers make people angry and the wise subdue it. The wise and the foolish cannot agree.

Honesty may be the best policy it just doesn’t make you popular with the those who desire to hurt others. God gives vision to the good and the bad. Fairness from leaders will lengthen their terms in office. Failure to correct your children will eventually disgrace the parents. Disciplined children bring peace of mind and delight.

Many communities understand verse sixteen. They have seen the destruction that is caused by an influx of the rebellious. Listening to instruction can save a lot of problems. The reference to a slave not understanding will be clearer if we realize that slaves are usually not educated.

Their masters keep them uneducated to keep them in slavery. Pampering a slave will make them arrogant. Pride will humble us, and humility will bring us honor.

Verse twenty talks about people who don’t stop talking long enough to think. Anger and quick tempers cause conflict and rebellion. Thieves and their partners do not do themselves any good. Do not fear men. Trust in Jehovah. He provides justice. Our problems with police and the criminals, in our country is based on what verse twenty-seven says. 

©Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger