Thy Strong Word — Proverbs 29:1-27: The Benefits of Self-Discipline

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King Solomon continues to offer wisdom on leadership, justice, and self-discipline. Solomon contrasts the outcomes of righteous and wicked behaviors, emphasizing the importance of just rulers for societal stability. He underscores the dangers of pride, anger, and lack of discipline, while highlighting the benefits of humility, patience, and self-control. These proverbs stress the significance of listening to instruction and accepting correction. They also advocate for protecting the rights of the poor and maintaining integrity.

The Rev. Keith Lingsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Proverbs 29:1-27.

Step into the spiritually rich landscape of the Book of Proverbs, a text divinely inspired and attributed to Solomon, the sage king endowed by God with unsurpassed wisdom. This ancient scripture begins with heartfelt lessons from a father to a son, laying a foundation of moral and ethical guidance before unfolding into a collection of timeless proverbs. It uniquely personifies wisdom and folly as two paths that stand before humanity, offering a choice between a life filled with virtue, fear of the Lord, and understanding, and one marred by shortsighted pleasures and foolishness. Proverbs serves as a compass for those seeking to walk in righteousness, offering insights that resonate deeply with the human experience, guiding us toward a life of purpose and discernment according to God’s will.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

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Proverbs 29:1-27

29 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
² When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
³ He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
⁴ By justice a king builds up the land,
but he who exacts gifts^[a] tears it down.
⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
⁶ An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
⁷ A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
⁸ Scoffers set a city aflame,
but the wise turn away wrath.
⁹ If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
and seek the life of the upright.^[b]
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood,
all his officials will be wicked.
¹³ The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
¹⁴ If a king faithfully judges the poor,
his throne will be established forever.
¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.
¹⁸ Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,^[c]
but blessed is he who keeps the law.
¹⁹ By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
for though he understands, he will not respond.
²⁰ Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
²¹ Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir.^[d]
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife,
and one given to anger causes much transgression.
²³ One’s pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
²⁴ The partner of a thief hates his own life;
he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
²⁵ The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
²⁶ Many seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

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Footnotes

1. Proverbs 29:4 Or who taxes heavily
2. Proverbs 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul
3. Proverbs 29:18 Or the people are discouraged
4. Proverbs 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org