FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation Proverbs 29:5
KJVA man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
Read it in context
The Flourishing of the Righteous
Start reading at Proverbs 29:1 (Proverbs 29:1 to Proverbs 29:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
- 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
- 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
- 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
- 29:4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
- 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
- 29:6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
- 29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
- 29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
- 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
- 29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
- 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
- 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
- 29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
- 29:14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
- 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
- 29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
- 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
- 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
- 29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
- 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
- 29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
- 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
- 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
- 29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
- 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
- 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
- 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 25:1–29:27): The collected proverbs instruct learners, including those concerned with royal service and public conduct. The named roles are subjects of instruction rather than one assembled audience. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Flourishing of the Righteous. Read Proverbs 29:1 through Proverbs 29:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Flourishing of the Righteous (Proverbs 29:1 to Proverbs 29:27). Start reading at Proverbs 29:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 29:1, Proverbs 29:27, Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- that Prov 7:5,21 Prov 20:19 Prov 26:24-25,28 2 Sam 14:17-24 Job 17:5 Ps 5:9 Ps 12:2 1 Thess 2:5
- spreadeth Prov 1:17 Lam 1:13 Hos 5:1 Luke 20:20-21 Rom 16:18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 29
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation The proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 10:1–22:16FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.