WHOEVER TRUSTS IN THE LORD IS SAFE

Proverbs 29:1-27 / Keywords 29:25

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

29:1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes

    will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;

    when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king gives a country stability,

    but those who are greedy for[a] bribes tear it down.

5 Those who flatter their neighbors

    are spreading nets for their feet.

6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin,

    but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,

    but the wicked have no such concern.

8 Mockers stir up a city,

    but the wise turn away anger.

9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,

    the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity

    and seek to kill the upright.

11 Fools give full vent to their rage,

    but the wise bring calm in the end.

12 If a ruler listens to lies,

    all his officials become wicked.

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:

    The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,

    his throne will be established forever.

15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,

    but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,

    but the righteous will see their downfall.

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;

    they will bring you the delights you desire.

18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;

    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;

    though they understand, they will not respond.

20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?

    There is more hope for a fool than for them.

21 A servant pampered from youth

    will turn out to be insolent.

22 An angry person stirs up conflict,

    and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

23 Pride brings a person low,

    but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;

    they are put under oath and dare not testify.

25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,

    but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,

    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.

27 The righteous detest the dishonest;

    the wicked detest the upright.

Footnotes

a. Proverbs 29:4 Or who give

1. This chapter warns about many ways that we fall into the traps of sin and ruin our lives. However, those who trust in the Lord will be kept safe; this is a great and powerful promise. We need to believe it from our hearts and live according to it. Then, when God sees everything that’s going on in the world, he brings justice to those who trusted in him. But the rebellious end up broken beyond healing. They suffer from shame and lose all they have. 

2. We must give young people the vision to trust God, to seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to them as well (Matt 6:33). We must train others and our children until their eyes are open to live by God’s promise. Included here are many other warnings against being proud, stealing, getting angry, and being unfair. The world is a scary place, and we are tempted to be like the people of the world. Let’s trust in the Lord, and he will keep us safe. He will bring about his justice for his people. 

Prayer Father, thank you for keeping me safe as I trust in you. Help me to seek you and your justice. 

One Word Those who trust in the Lord are safe