Introduction
‘Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.’ Proverbs 29:1
The Stiff Necked
In what ways we do become stiff-necked? We become stiff-necked by making the same mistake over and over again. We refuse to learn or listen, those who harden their neck are stubborn, Exodus 33:3-5 / Acts 7:51-53. Christians should not take lightly the Lord’s discipline because if we harden ourselves to it, we will be broken on judgment day.
‘When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.’ Proverbs 29:2-3
God’s ways are always the best because when we just do our own thing, then terrible things happen. Prostitutes were common in Bible times but they all have one thing in common, they do it for the money, not the joy.
‘By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down. Those who flatter their neighbours are spreading nets for their feet.’ Proverbs 29:4-5
Beware of the flatterer! They are not trying to please us but to deceive us so that they can get what they want from us later.
‘Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.’ Proverbs 29:6-7
The righteous person knows to whom they belong. Every human being has rights but wicked people look only at their poverty and despise the righteous.
‘Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.’ Proverbs 29:8-10
The fool cannot appreciate the wise person’s argument and so the wise person becomes exhausted trying to convince them. They are concerned for their life because people of bloodshed come after them.
‘Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.’ Proverbs 29:11
A fool has no control and loses their temper, whereas the wise calm the arguments down.
‘If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.’ Proverbs 29:12
This is the idea of knowing what the king likes to listen to and so his officials tell him falsehoods.
‘The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.’ Proverbs 29:13
The poor and the oppressor both receive life from Him and He will judge them both, Acts 17:31.
‘If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever. A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.’ Proverbs 29:14-15
There are two types of discipline: 1. The rod, which is physical and, 2. Reproof, which is verbal. We should never stop punishing our children when they deserve it.
‘When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.’ Proverbs 29:16
Here we have a perfect example of what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis 19:1-30 / 2 Peter 2:8.
‘Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.’ Proverbs 29:17
Not all correction is with a rod, the punishment we give our children must be determined when it is needed but we do need to correct our children.
‘Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.’ Proverbs 29:18
If anyone tries to live without God’s truth, restraint is cast away. In other words, anything goes.
‘Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond. Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.’ Proverbs 29:19-20
There are times when words just won’t work and so action needs to be taken when it comes to correcting some people. The lesson here is simple, to be slow to speak, and quick to listen, James 1:19.
‘A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.’ Proverbs 29:21
Solomon says we need to be willingly obedient.
‘An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honour.’ Proverbs 29:22-23
Although pride is meant to lift us up, it really brings us down, James 4:6-10.
‘The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.’ Proverbs 29:24
These accomplices won’t tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If we hear that a person broke the law, do not remain silent, Leviticus 5:1.
‘Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.’ Proverbs 29:25
We shouldn’t be afraid of people because they can do eternal harm, 1 Samuel 15:24 / Matthew 10:28.
‘Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.’ Proverbs 29:26
A person may not be punished by the law of the land, but God will not let him go unpunished, 1 Corinthians 4:4.
‘The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.’ Proverbs 29:27
Here we see the contestant clash in our society. This is good versus evil; God versus the devil, Cain versus Abel, and Christians versus non-Christians.