Proverbs

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31

Proverbs 29 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Proverbs 29 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

King James Version

SAB comment

My comment

1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

A wise son makes a glad father.

4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

"A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet."

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

"The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it."

8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

"The just seek his soul."
Has the ever been a just person?

See Matthew 1:19.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

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

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Beating your children will make them wise.
(Don't let them think for themselves.)
What the Bible says about torture
The Bible's guide to torture

What Solomon says here is that a child left to himself, will bring shame. And indeed, we can see the truth of that word in our society. A parent who cares about his child, corrects him. And sometimes stronger correction is needed. And if reproof does not help, perhaps the rod will. And the rod does actually indicate that just lashing out at kids is not the way to proceed. Taking a rod indicates something deliberate and something thought about. And the parent has a definitive result in mind. But one should also remember the words of the apostle (Col. 3:21).
And we should just look at societies where parental correction has been outlawed. Sweden comes to mind, New Zealand has followed. Schools did not become more peaceful when correction was abandoned. And what do we do with kids who could have been corrected with the rod? We send them home. Abandon them actually.

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

Beat your servants (slaves), as though they were your children.

The author of the SAB reads this verse as “A servant will not be corrected by words, but he will be if you beat him.” But that is not the meaning. As we read in Matthew 8:9 a good servant does what he has to do when only told once. But this verse is about servants who do not. They hear the words, but they keep themselves deaf. Not doing what is requested, not acknowledging they have heard their master. What should be done to such bad servants?

20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."

24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

"An unjust man is an abomination to the just."
Has the ever been a just person?

See Matthew 1:19.