Proverbs 29

Over August we're going to read through the book of Proverbs. There are 31 days in August and 31 chapters in Proverbs, so we'll be putting them up on Saturdays and Sundays too.

Instead of relying on other reflections on the passages, we want to make space for God to speak to us all in the expectation that we will be transformed into his likeness as we open ourselves to his Spirit and seek to live wise and godly lives.

Open yourself to the Spirit, ask him to highlight a particular verse, phrase or section for you to think about during the day.

Read the chapter slowly. If something jumps out at you or catches your attention stay with that for a while.

Ask yourself, does this make me feel uncomfortable/reassured/challenged?

Ask questions of the Proverb?
Why did the original writer think this was worth writing down?
How does did this apply to people's lives in the past?
How does it apply to my life now?

Ask the Spirit what he may be saying.
Is God calling me to change/repent/see things differently?
How would my life look different if I lived this out?
What steps can I take to make this happen?

Take this Proverb with you throughout the day and see how the wisdom of the ages can transform your life today.

29 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes
    will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
    when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability,
    but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
5 Those who flatter their neighbours
    are spreading nets for their feet.
6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin,
    but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,
    but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Mockers stir up a city,
    but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
    the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
    and seek to kill the upright.
11 Fools give full vent to their rage,
    but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
    the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
    his throne will be established for ever.
15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
    but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
    but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
    they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction.
19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;
    though they understand, they will not respond.
20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
    There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21 A servant pampered from youth
    will turn out to be insolent.
22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
    and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23 Pride brings a person low,
    but the lowly in spirit gain honour.
24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
    they are put under oath and dare not testify.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
27 The righteous detest the dishonest;
    the wicked detest the upright.