Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl Proverbs 29:5-9 Wicked People Endanger a Society, Part 2
Friday, September 29, 2023
Proverbs 29:5–9
[5] A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
[6] An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
[7] A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
[8] Scoffers set a city aflame,
but the wise turn away wrath.
[9] If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. (ESV)
Wicked People Endanger a Society, Part 2
v.5 This proverb warns of the perils of flattery. Giving someone false praise is as sinful and harmful as giving them a bribe (see v.4). Like many such proverbs, it is unclear who the object of the spread net is in the second line, the flatterer or the one whom he flatters. This is probably intentional in order to provoke thought. When we flatter someone, he may fall into the trap of being prideful. On the other hand, the one who falsely flatters can ensnare himself, exposing his insincerity.
v.6 This verse continues the theme of snares and traps with the same unanswered question: Who is the one in the trap? An evil person may entrap his neighbor in sin and bring them harm, while a righteous person rejoices in the success and salvation of others. Or, a wicked person may catch himself in his own net of sin (Proverbs 1:17; 26:27; John 8:34), while the righteous man rejoices without fear of the power of sin and the devil because God has rescued him from both (Romans 6:16-22).
v.7 This proverb associates the righteous man with the godly virtues of concern for his neighbor and sympathy for the condition of the poor, a Christ-like trait (Psalm 41:2; 72:4, 12; Romans 15:26; Galatians 2:10). The wicked man is separated from God and cannot possess this Wisdom.
v.8 This proverb gives advice to rulers for choosing whom to place in positions of authority such that God’s people can be peaceful and effective. Those who deride morality, an excellent work ethic, and have no regard for God’s Wisdom only cause strife (Romans 16:17-20). The Wise, conversely, “turn away wrath.” They bring a calming voice to conflicts and seek mutual forgiveness and understanding. This is possible because they know God has shown them mercy and seek to be merciful.
v.9 A fool whose foolishness is embedded in his heart will not permit peace when he is called to account for his folly. This is a warning to the Wise not to discourage them from disciplining the foolish but to tell them what to expect—a necessary but unpleasant task.