29
Jan '23
A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 29
29
Jan '23
Proverbs 29
Warnings and Instructions
1A man who hardens his neck after much reproof
Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.
4The king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
5A man who flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.
6By transgression an evil man is ensnared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such concern.
8Scorners set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away anger.
9When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10Men of bloodshed hate the blameless,
But the upright are concerned for his life.
11A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back.
12If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14If a king judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.
15The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16When the wicked increase, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their fall.
17Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also delight your soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
But happy is he who keeps the law.
19A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
For though he understands, there will be no response.
20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21He who pampers his slave from childhood
Will in the end find him to be a son.
22An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23A man’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the oath but tells nothing.
25The fear of man brings a snare,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the Lord.
27An unjust man is abominable to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.
Reflection
The Bible is full of counterintuitive statements. We see them in many of Jesus’ teachings like “the last will be first,” “dying to ourselves,” “losing your life to gain it,” etc. Here in Proverbs we see many other paradoxes, one being in verse 23 of today’s chapter. It tells us, “One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will receive honor.”
Reflect
What other verses have you seen that seem to contradict modern thinking?
Engage
What do you think it means to be lowly in spirit? (Hint: It is not thinking less of yourself or beating yourself up… think about humility.)
What does that look like for you in your life?
An Extra Mile
One way to humble ourselves is by putting other people’s needs first. Take a moment and write some notes of encouragement to a friend in need, or even to someone you may not get along with. Volunteer your time, take out the garbage for your parents—find something that helps you practice being lowly in spirit.
Today’s reflection provided by YOUVERSION Reading Plan: 30 Day Challenge: A Walk Through Proverbs