Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl Proverbs 29:20-23 Final Advice for Kings & Leaders, Part 2

Friday, October 6, 2023

Proverbs 29:20–23

[20] Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

[21] Whoever pampers his servant from childhood

will in the end find him his heir.

[22] A man of wrath stirs up strife,

and one given to anger causes much transgression.

[23] One’s pride will bring him low,

but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. (ESV)

Final Advice for Kings & Leaders, Part 2

v.20: Compare this proverb with 26:12. This saying invites us to recall when we have seen someone speak in haste without thinking about the consequences of his speech. Such people are worse than a fool who speaks without knowing any better. Such is it with those who acknowledge the existence of God but refuse to hear the evidence and read the plain words of Scripture identifying Christ as our only hope of salvation. They are quick to deny Christ, preferring to trust in their own Wisdom. The fool, at least, may still be persuaded by reason.

v.21: This proverb warns that allowing someone under your supervision, child or employee, to develop without discipline will only produce problems later on because he will not possess the Wisdom to honor his parent or to serve his employer well. See similar proverbs about raising children without discipline (Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14).

v.22 This verse contains two warnings about the consequences of failing to control one's temper: it will lead to conflicts and to sin. Other proverbs make similar points about the consequences of anger: Proverbs 14:17, 29; 15:18; 19:19; 22:24; 27:4.

v.23 This proverb is ironic. An arrogant person who considers his thoughts and ways better than those of others eventually will be humiliated, and his arrogance will be shown to have been misplaced trust in himself (see also Proverbs 3:5; 28:26). Outwardly, he appears to be on the verge of seizing honor, and he may attain great power in this life, but he will receive no eternal glory. On the other hand, a man with a humble spirit knows his sinfulness and lack of ability to reach out and seize divine glory, but God will reward his faith with everlasting honor (Philippians 2:1-11).