Proverbs – Chapter 29

Old Testament27 Verses

1The man that with a stiff neck despiseth him that reproveth him, shall suddenly be destroyed: and health shall not follow him.

2When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.

3A man that loveth wisdom, rejoiceth his father: but he that maintaineth harlots, shall squander away his substance.

4A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.

5A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.

6A snare shall entangle the wicked man when he sinneth: and the just shall praise and rejoice.

7The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.

8Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away wrath.

9If a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry, or laugh, he shall find no rest.

10Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his soul.

11A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.

12A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.

13The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.

14The king that judgeth the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for ever.

15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will, bringeth his mother to shame.

16When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.

17Instruct thy son and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.

18When prophecy shall fail, the people shall be scattered abroad: but he that keepeth the law, is blessed.

19A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer.

20Hast thou seen a man hasty to speak? folly is rather to be looked for, than his amendment.

21He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.

22A passionate man provoketh quarrels: and he that is easily stirred up to wrath, shall be more prone to sin.

23Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.

24He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.

25He that feareth man shall quickly fall: he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high.

26Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of every one cometh forth from the Lord.

27The just abhor a wicked man: and the wicked loathe them that are in the right way. The son that keepeth the word, shall be free from destruction.

Reflection for Today

Proverbs Chapter 29 contributes to the biblical theme of wisdom for daily living, which Catholic teaching develops throughout the Catechism. Christ is the Wisdom of God incarnate (CIC 721). The enduring truth that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom calls us to response.

The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum teaches that "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). This chapter, like all Scripture, is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Catholic tradition encourages daily engagement with Scripture, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal reading, or group study. The Catechism teaches that "prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man" (CIC 2653). May your reading of this chapter be a true encounter with the living God.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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