Proverbs 29:1-27

(1) He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Watch your response to being reproved
(2) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
the people are mourning right now...nationally, ecclesiastically, socially
(3) Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
Your father will rejoice if you handle things the right way...evidence of immorality is a certain kind of poverty
(4) The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
bribes ruin a leader's credibility...crony-ism is a scourge to any authority
(5) A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
Be careful of flattery...giving it or receiving it...receiving it is falling into an ego-trap set for you by the one giving it
(6) In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
Evidence of a righteous heart is singing and joy...
(7) The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
A righteous heart considers the plight of the poor...the wicked don't care...
(8) Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
Scorners! they defeat everyone they're around...
(9) If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
the evident and perpetual 'disconnect' between the wise and foolish...
(10) The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
Bloodthirsty, cruel, relentless people don't necessarily just 'avoid' the upright...they focus an attitude of 'hate' on them...contrarily, the upright seek his soul...they want to know his mind, will and emotional sets; application: see an upright man? seek to know his intellectual influences, his decision processes/principles; and ups and downs
(11) A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Keep some things to yourself...
(12) If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
The hole-y umbrella in business and leadership
(13) The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
Sometimes the poor are deceitful as a life-style...it is sometimes justified [as in old gypsy culture] in order to survive...someday, though, God will illuminate their minds that fraud is wrong
(14) The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Merciful leadership = longevity of privilege
(15) The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
what give wisdom? the rod and reproof
(16) When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
If you see offenses increase, it is evidence there are more wicked in the vicinity...the righteous will see their fall
(17) Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Kids wearing you out? correct them properly...the result will be delight to your mind, will and emotions, not 'fatigue'
(18) Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
people perish...we need Christ's vision for the world...those that apply themselves to Christ's commands are perpetually 'happy'
(19) A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
Someone who is a servant [employee] will have learned to keep his mouth shut
(20) Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
...keep thy mouth shut...
(21) He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
...Christ, in eternity, will bring many sons to glory...those who followed His pattern as a servant....
(22) An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
who stirs up strife? someone who is angry...perpetual anger/fury is characteristic of a heart that is in transgression
(23) A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
what brings a man to a low point in his life? pride! humility = honour
(24) Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
Don't partner with a thief...you bring frustration to your mind, will and emotions in doing this wrong...to the point of hearing cursing and bewraying it not
(25) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Faith does not bring a snare...fear does...fear of man...don't worry what man will do to you...worry what God will do if you don't obey His will for your life
(26) Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
Politics happens...but there is a judgment to come
(27) An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Bible-believers value godly character