Discipline, Leadership, and Social Order
Proverbs 29:1-27
Pro.29.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תוכחות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מקשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערף: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- פתע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- מרפא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:24-33 (structural): Same warning-pattern: refusal of reproof/advice leads to sudden calamity and no remedy (wisdom's call ignored → inevitable destruction).
- Proverbs 10:17 (thematic): Contrasts the path of one who accepts instruction with the fate of one who refuses reproof—theme of acceptance vs. obstinacy and resulting ruin.
- Proverbs 15:31-32 (thematic): Affirms that heeding rebuke preserves life and wisdom, while refusing instruction brings punishment—parallel moral principle to Prov 29:1.
- Deuteronomy 31:27 (verbal): Uses the same 'hard/stiff neck' imagery for stubborn, rebellious people, linking obstinacy to coming disaster ordained or announced by God.
- Psalm 81:12 (allusion): God 'gave them over' to their stubborn heart—similar idea that persistent rejection of correction results in irrevocable loss or ruin.
Alternative generated candidates
- A man who refuses rebuke hardens his neck; suddenly he will be broken beyond healing.
- He who hardens his neck when reproved will suddenly be broken—there is no healing.
Pro.29.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברבות: PREP
- צדיקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישמח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובמשל: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאנח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
Parallels
- Prov.11.10 (verbal): Almost identical contrast: when the righteous prosper the city/people rejoice; when the wicked perish/rule there is distress—close verbal and thematic parallel within Proverbs.
- Prov.28.12 (thematic): Contrasts the outcome of righteous versus wicked leadership: the triumph of the righteous brings glory/joy, while the rise of the wicked causes fear or groaning—same moral correlation.
- Ps.72:12-14 (thematic): Describes a righteous ruler delivering the needy and bringing blessing and rejoicing for the people—connects righteous governance with public well‑being as in Prov.29:2.
- Eccl.10:16-17 (thematic): Warns that foolish or oppressive rulers bring woe to a land and cause shame or suffering for the people, echoing Prov.29:2’s link between bad rule and communal distress.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the righteous increase the people rejoice; when a wicked man rules the people groan.
- When the righteous are many the people rejoice; when the wicked govern, the people groan.
Pro.29.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישמח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ורעה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זונות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יאבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.10:1 (verbal): Same proverb pattern contrasting a wise son who brings joy to his father with a foolish son whose behavior brings grief; closely parallels wording and moral contrast.
- Prov.15:20 (verbal): Repeats the motif that a wise son makes his father glad while a foolish person dishonors or despises his mother — a near verbal and thematic parallel to the first half of Prov 29:3.
- Prov.6:26 (thematic): Warns that intercourse with a prostitute brings ruin and reduces a man to poverty; thematically parallels Prov 29:3's warning that companionship with harlots wastes wealth.
- Prov.5:10 (thematic): Describes how yielding to the seductress leads to the loss of one’s wealth to others; echoes the economic and moral consequences of association with harlots in Prov 29:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father; a companion of prostitutes wastes his wealth.
- He who loves wisdom makes his father glad; he who keeps company with prostitutes squanders his wealth.
Pro.29.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- במשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יעמיד: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תרומות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהרסנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+SUFF:PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 16:18-20 (structural): Commands appointment of judges and commands 'justice, only justice'—establishing proper rule of law as foundational for the land, echoing 'a king by justice establishes a country.'
- Proverbs 20:28 (verbal): Speaks of steadfast love/truth preserving a king and upholding his throne—closely parallels the proverb's link between a ruler's righteousness/justice and the stability of the realm.
- Proverbs 17:23 (verbal): States that the wicked accept a bribe to pervert justice—verbal and moral parallel to 'one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.'
- Isaiah 1:23 (thematic): Condemns leaders who love bribes and ally with thieves; connects bribery and corrupt leadership with destruction and social disorder, paralleling the proverb's contrast between justice and bribery.
Alternative generated candidates
- A king who judges for the poor will establish the land; a man who takes bribes will overturn it.
- A king who rules in righteousness establishes the land; the one who accepts bribes will ruin it.
Pro.29.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גבר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מחליק: VERB,pi'el,part,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- רשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פורש: VERB,qal,ptcp,ms,sg
- על: PREP
- פעמיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:28 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: 'a flattering mouth works ruin' echoes the idea that flattering a neighbor lays a trap for his steps.
- Psalm 12:2 (verbal): Speaks of people with 'flattering lips' and a double heart who speak to their neighbor—flattery as deceitful speech toward others.
- Psalm 55:21 (thematic): Describes speech that is smooth like butter yet conceals hostile intent—parallels the motif of flattering words used to ensnare.
- Jeremiah 9:8 (thematic): Portrays the tongue as deceitful and deadly, paralleling the image of flattery functioning as a snare for another's steps.
- Romans 16:18 (thematic): Paul warns of people who 'by smooth talk and flattery' deceive the simple, a New Testament parallel to flattery used to entrap.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.
- He who flatters his neighbor spreads a snare for his steps.
Pro.29.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בפשע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מוקש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצדיק: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירון: VERB,qal,impf,3,sg
- ושמח: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 10:28 (verbal): Contrasts the fate of wicked and righteous—'The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish,' echoing the juxtaposition of the wicked's downfall and the righteous' rejoicing.
- Proverbs 12:21 (thematic): States that no evil will befall the righteous while the wicked are filled with trouble—similar theme of negative outcome for the wicked versus well‑being of the righteous.
- Proverbs 29:2 (structural): Same chapter presents a parallel contrast: when the righteous govern the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule the people mourn—another Proverbs pairing of outcomes for righteous versus wicked.
- Psalm 58:10 (Hebrew 58:11) (thematic): Speaks of the righteous rejoicing when they see the downfall/vengeance upon the wicked, paralleling the imagery of wickedness entangling the evildoer while the righteous rejoice.
Alternative generated candidates
- By the transgression of a wicked man a snare is laid, but the righteous sing and rejoice.
- A wicked man’s sin is a snare for him; the righteous will rejoice and be glad.
Pro.29.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יבין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.31:9 (verbal): Commands to ‘open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the poor and needy’ echo Proverbs 29:7’s concern that the righteous know justice for the poor.
- Isaiah 1:17 (thematic): Calls to ‘learn to do good; seek justice; rescue the oppressed’ parallel the verse’s focus on the righteous’ knowledge and practice of justice for the poor.
- Psalm 82:3 (verbal): ‘Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the poor and oppressed’ uses similar language and concern for the poor’s legal rights.
- Jeremiah 22:16 (thematic): Praises a ruler who ‘defended the cause of the poor and needy,’ reflecting the ethical expectation that the righteous understand and uphold the poor’s rights.
- Micah 6:8 (allusion): The prophetic summary—‘to act justly, love mercy, walk humbly’—captures the moral imperative underlying Proverbs 29:7’s statement about righteous knowledge of justice for the poor.
Alternative generated candidates
- The righteous knows the case of the poor; the wicked does not understand knowledge.
- The righteous discern the cause of the poor; the wicked do not understand insight.
Pro.29.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- לצון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יפיחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קריה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחכמים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישיבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אף: ADV
Parallels
- Prov.15:1 (verbal): Contrasts gentle speech that 'turns away wrath' with words that 'stir up' anger—echoes Prov.29:8's opposition between those who inflame a city and the wise who avert anger.
- Prov.15:18 (verbal): Speaks of the hot-tempered person who 'stirs up strife' versus the patient one who calms quarrels, paralleling the motif of provocateurs versus peacemakers in Prov.29:8.
- Prov.26:20 (thematic): Observes that without fuel a fire goes out and without a whisperer strife ceases—similar theme that agitators/scoffers provoke communal unrest while their absence brings peace.
- Prov.17:14 (thematic): Compares starting a quarrel to breaching a dam—an image of how disputes can swell into communal turmoil, echoing the warning about those who 'stir up' a city in Prov.29:8.
- James 3:16–18 (thematic): Contrasts the disorder produced by envy and selfish ambition with the peaceable fruit of true wisdom; parallels the Proverbs contrast between those who foment unrest and the wise who promote peace.
Alternative generated candidates
- Mockers set a city ablaze; the wise turn away anger.
- Scorners inflame a city, but the wise turn away wrath.
Pro.29.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- נשפט: VERB,nifal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אויל: ADJ,m,sg
- ורגז: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ושחק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- נחת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:4-5 (verbal): Direct, paired proverbs about how to answer a fool—illustrates the dilemma and futility of arguing with a fool, echoing that dispute with a fool yields no peace.
- Proverbs 29:11 (thematic): Contrasts the fool's outburst with the wise person's restraint—reinforces the theme that fools disturb calm while the wise hold back.
- Proverbs 15:1 (thematic): A gentle answer turns away wrath; a harsh word stirs up anger—provides the practical counterpoint to the proverb's observation that a fool's rage or laughter destroys quiet.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9 (thematic): Warns against being quickly provoked because anger lodges in the heart of fools—connects anger and unrest with foolishness, explaining why disputes with fools bring no rest.
- Proverbs 18:2 (thematic): Says a fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in expressing his opinion—explains why arguing with a fool is unproductive and fails to produce peaceful resolution.
Alternative generated candidates
- When a wise man contends with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs—there is no peace.
- If a wise man disputes with a fool, he becomes irritated and laughs—there is no quiet.
Pro.29.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישנאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- תם: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וישרים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- יבקשו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,pl
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 37:32-33 (verbal): The wicked ‘lie in wait for the righteous’ and ‘seek to put him to death,’ echoing Prov.29:10’s language that men of blood hate the innocent and seek the life of the upright.
- Isaiah 59:7 (verbal): ‘Their feet run to evil, and they hasten to shed innocent blood’ — the image of shedding innocent blood parallels the description of ‘men of blood’ who hate the innocent.
- Psalm 11:5 (thematic): ‘The LORD’s soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence’ — thematically connects the hostility of violent men toward the righteous with divine judgment on bloodthirsty persons.
- Proverbs 29:27 (structural): Within Proverbs the contrast appears again: the upright are abomination to the wicked and the unjust are abomination to the righteous, reflecting the mutual hostility between violent/wicked people and the upright described in 29:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- Men of blood hate the blameless; the upright pursue his life.
- Men of blood hate the blameless, while the upright seek to protect his life.
Pro.29.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- רוחו: NOUN,f,sg,prsuf3ms
- יוציא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחכם: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- באחור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישבחנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+3,f,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 10:19 (verbal): Both contrast excessive speaking with wisdom; Proverbs 10:19 warns that many words lead to sin while restraint is wise, echoing 29:11’s contrast between a fool who vents and a wise man who holds back.
- Proverbs 13:3 (verbal): Emphasizes guarding the mouth—'He who guards his mouth preserves his life'—paralleling 29:11’s praise of the wise person who restrains speech.
- Proverbs 17:27 (verbal): ‘He who has knowledge spares his words’ closely matches 29:11’s depiction of wisdom expressed by self-control in speech.
- Proverbs 21:23 (verbal): ‘Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble’—another Proverbs saying that parallels 29:11’s link between restraint in speech and wisdom/safety.
- James 1:19 (thematic): New Testament admonition—'be quick to hear, slow to speak'—reflects the same ethical ideal as 29:11: wisdom shown by restraint of speech and temper.
Alternative generated candidates
- A fool gives full vent to his temper, but a wise man restrains it and is honored.
- A fool vents all his temper, but a man of understanding restrains it and is praised.
Pro.29.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מקשיב: VERB,qal,ptcp,*,m,sg
- על: PREP
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- משרתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,ms
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Prov.29:2 (structural): Same chapter/theme: the character of those in authority directly determines the welfare and moral tone of the people.
- Prov.28:12 (thematic): Parallel proverb asserting that a ruler's righteousness or wickedness shapes the people's rejoicing or groaning—leadership influences national morality.
- Micah 3:11 (thematic): Condemns leaders and priests who accept bribes and pervert justice—corrupt leadership fosters wicked officials and injustice.
- Jeremiah 5:31 (thematic): Speaks of prophets prophesying falsely and priests ruling by their means; corrupt guidance from leaders leads the people astray.
- Isaiah 3:12 (thematic): Accuses leaders of causing the people to err and destroying their paths—leaders' bad counsel brings widespread moral ruin.
Alternative generated candidates
- When a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials become wicked.
- When a ruler gives ear to a lie, all his counselors become wicked.
Pro.29.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רש: VERB,qal,inf
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תככים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נפגשו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- מאיר: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- עיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons+1s
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.22:2 (thematic): Both rich and poor belong to the LORD—parallel theme of divine relation to persons of differing social/moral status, echoing that God ‘lights the eyes’ of both parties.
- Prov.15:3 (verbal): ‘The eyes of the LORD are in every place’ uses the same eye-imagery of divine sight/oversight found in 29:13’s ‘the LORD enlightens both their eyes.’
- Ps.146:8 (verbal): ‘The LORD gives sight to the blind’ parallels the motif of God granting sight/insight to those who lack it, echoing God’s action in Prov 29:13.
- Job 34:21 (verbal): ‘His eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps’ — like Prov 29:13, this emphasizes God’s watching/seeing of every person’s condition and actions.
- Eccles.9:2 (thematic): ‘All things come alike to all’ highlights a literary/thematic kinship: the meeting of different sorts of people and the equalizing reality (here fate; in Prov 29:13 divine attention) that links them.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the poor meets the rich, the LORD gives light to the eyes of them both.
- The poor and the deceitful meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
Pro.29.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- שופט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באמת: ADV
- דלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כסאו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- לעד: ADV
- יכון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 16:12 (verbal): Uses similar language linking a king's righteousness/right judgment to the establishment/stability of his throne.
- Proverbs 20:28 (verbal): Speaks of steadfast love/faithfulness preserving a king and upholding his throne—parallel idea that just rule secures royal authority.
- Psalm 72:1-4 (thematic): A royal prayer that the king judge the poor with righteousness and defend the afflicted—direct thematic overlap with righteous kingship and care for the needy.
- Isaiah 32:1 (allusion): Foretells a king who reigns in righteousness and princes who rule with justice—echoes the motif of righteous rule establishing stable governance.
- Jeremiah 22:3 (thematic): Prophetic injunction to do justice and rescue the oppressed (directed to a king/house of David), connecting royal duty to justice for the poor with the welfare of the realm.
Alternative generated candidates
- A king who judges the poor with righteousness will have his throne established forever.
- If a king judges the poor with justice, his throne will be established forever.
Pro.29.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותוכחת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונער: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משלח: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- מביש: VERB,hiph,ptc,ms,sg
- אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 13:24 (verbal): Uses the same proverb-idea of the 'rod' as necessary for child-rearing: 'He who spares the rod hates his son…'—direct verbal/thematic parallel about corporal discipline producing wisdom.
- Proverbs 23:13-14 (verbal): Explicitly forbids withholding the rod and links physical discipline to rescuing a child from death—parallels the motif that the rod/discipline leads to proper conduct and preservation.
- Proverbs 22:15 (verbal): Speaks of folly bound up in a child's heart and that 'the rod of discipline will drive it far from him'—same vocabulary and idea that corporal correction removes foolishness and produces wisdom.
- Proverbs 17:25 (thematic): Connects the child’s behavior to parental shame/grief—'A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him' echoes the second half of Prov 29:15 about a child who brings shame on his mother.
Alternative generated candidates
- The rod and reproof give wisdom; a child left unchecked brings shame to his mother.
- The rod and reproof give wisdom; a young man left to himself brings disgrace to his mother.
Pro.29.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברבות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- פשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצדיקים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- במפלתם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- יראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 73:3-12 (thematic): The psalmist describes the prosperity of the wicked and the apparent increase of evil, then reflects on their eventual ruin—paralleling the contrast between flourishing wickedness and the fall seen by the righteous.
- Psalm 37:1-2, 35-36 (thematic): Urges not to fret over evildoers who seem to prosper, then affirms the transience and sudden downfall of the wicked—echoing the proverb's observation about multiplied wickedness and their ultimate fall.
- Proverbs 29:2 (structural): A closely related proverb within the same collection: it contrasts the social effects of righteous versus wicked rule, similarly linking the prevalence of the wicked to increased suffering and disorder.
- Ecclesiastes 8:11 (verbal): States that when punishment for evil is not executed quickly, people's hearts are set to do evil—offering a causal explanation for why wickedness and transgression multiply, a motif present in Prov. 29:16.
- Isaiah 5:20-23 (thematic): Describes moral inversion and leaders who pervert justice, leading to societal corruption; thematically parallels the link between the rise of wickedness and the spread of wrongdoing in the proverb.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the wicked increase, transgression increases; the righteous will see their downfall.
- With the increase of the wicked, transgression increases; but the righteous will behold their downfall.
Pro.29.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בנך: NOUN,m,sg,cstr+poss,2,m,sg
- ויניחך: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מעדנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לנפשך: PREP
Parallels
- Proverbs 13:24 (verbal): Both verses link parental discipline (the rod) with proper care for a child—discipline as an expression of love that produces beneficial results for the child and parent.
- Proverbs 19:18 (thematic): Echoes the same theme: exhortation to discipline a son because discipline brings hope and preserves life, paralleling the idea that a disciplined child yields rest to the parent.
- Proverbs 23:13–14 (verbal): Direct instruction not to withhold corporal discipline, promising that such correction will save the child from ruin—closely related to 29:17’s claim that discipline brings relief and delight to the parent’s soul.
- Proverbs 29:15 (verbal): Same chapter pair: the rod and reproof give wisdom, showing a consistent Proverbs motif that correction produces wisdom and benefits parents and children alike.
- Hebrews 12:7–11 (allusion): New Testament reflection on divine (and parental) discipline: suffering under correction is portrayed as training that yields righteousness and peace—paralleling Proverbs’ link between discipline and restful, joyful outcomes.
Alternative generated candidates
- Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
- Discipline your son, and he will give you rest and bring delight to your soul.
Pro.29.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באין: PREP
- חזון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יפרע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- ושמר: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- תורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשרהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Habakkuk 2:2-3 (verbal): Uses the same key concept of 'vision' (חזון) and stresses that a revealed vision must be given/recorded so people can live by it—parallels the role of prophetic revelation as guidance.
- Psalm 119:1-2 (thematic): Links obedience to the Torah with blessedness/happiness (אַשְׁרָה), echoing Proverbs' second clause that keeping the law brings blessing.
- Proverbs 28:9 (verbal): Speaks of the negative consequence when one 'turns away his ear' from the law—parallels Proverbs 29:18's warning about the breakdown that follows absence of proper instruction/vision.
- Amos 3:7 (thematic): Affirms that God reveals his purposes to prophets—underscores the necessity of divine revelation/vision for corporate guidance and restraint, resonating with 'where there is no vision'.
Alternative generated candidates
- Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who keeps instruction.
- Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
Pro.29.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בדברים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יוסר: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- כי: CONJ
- יבין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- מענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 29:1 (structural): Same chapter theme: refusing repeated reproving (hardening the neck) and the failure of correction; 29:19 notes words fail to reform the unresponsive servant, 29:1 describes the consequences of persistent refusal.
- Proverbs 15:31-32 (thematic): Contrasts outcomes of accepting vs. rejecting correction — one who heeds reproof gains wisdom, while ignoring instruction brings ruin, paralleling the idea that some do not respond to words of correction.
- Proverbs 13:1 (thematic): Directly contrasts the wise who accept parental instruction with the scoffer who will not listen to rebuke; parallels Prov.29:19's focus on a lack of response to corrective words.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (allusion): Depicts people who hear yet do not understand and see yet do not perceive — a prophetic image of hearing without receptive response that parallels the proverb's portrayal of understanding or hearing without effective answer.
Alternative generated candidates
- A servant is not corrected by mere words; though he understands, there is no answer.
- A servant will not be corrected by words alone; though he understands, there is no response.
Pro.29.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חזית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בדבריו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m
- תקוה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לכסיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- James 1:19 (thematic): Counsels restraint in speech—'quick to listen, slow to speak'—echoing the warning against hasty words in Prov.29:20.
- Ecclesiastes 5:2 (verbal): Explicit warning not to be rash with the mouth or to multiply words before God, paralleling the admonition about hasty speech.
- Proverbs 18:13 (verbal): Admonishes that answering before listening is folly; directly parallels the foolishness of hasty utterance in Prov.29:20.
- Proverbs 17:27-28 (thematic): Praises restraint of speech and notes that silence can make even a fool seem wise—supports the idea that rash talk is worse than simple foolishness.
- Proverbs 29:11 (thematic): Contrasts unrestrained, venting speech of a fool with wisdom in restraint, reinforcing the negative valuation of hasty speech found in v.20.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do you see a man quick with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
- Do you see a man quick with words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Pro.29.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מפנק: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- מנער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ואחריתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מנון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 13:24 (thematic): Contrasts discipline and indulgence—‘sparing the rod’ vs. pampering; both verses address how upbringing/discipline shapes future behavior and status.
- Proverbs 22:6 (thematic): Emphasizes early training’s long-term effect (‘train up a child...’); parallels the idea that what is done with the young determines their later place or character.
- Proverbs 29:15 (structural): Same chapter’s neighbor verse linking the use (or lack) of rod and reproof to wisdom and shame—underscores Proverbs’ theme that child-rearing/discipline has consequential outcomes.
- Galatians 4:1-7 (thematic): Develops the slave/child-to-heir motif: Paul contrasts the condition of a child/servant with the status of an heir, echoing biblical concerns about upbringing, guardianship, and eventual inheritance or status change.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever pampers his servant from youth will in the end make him his heir.
- He who pampers his servant from youth will in the end have him as heir.
Pro.29.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אף: ADV
- יגרה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובעל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- פשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:18 (verbal): Uses almost identical language: a hot-tempered man/stirs up strife — echoes the causal link between wrath and quarrel in Prov 29:22.
- Proverbs 22:24-25 (thematic): Warns against making friends with a wrathful person because his ways lead to harm — parallels the warning about the destructive consequences of anger.
- Proverbs 19:19 (thematic): Speaks of the recurring trouble and penalty associated with a hot-tempered person, underscoring the practical consequences of wrath similar to Prov 29:22's emphasis on resulting transgressions.
- James 1:19-20 (thematic): New Testament admonition to be slow to anger because human anger does not produce Godly righteousness; echoes the moral/ethical critique of wrath and its harmful outcomes in Prov 29:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict; an angry man multiplies transgression.
- An angry man stirs up conflict; a man quick to wrath multiplies transgressions.
Pro.29.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גאות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשפילנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ושפל: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יתמך: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- כבוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 11:2 (verbal): Contrasts pride with disgrace and links humility with wisdom/honor—very close in thought and language to Prov. 29:23.
- Proverbs 18:12 (verbal): States that haughtiness leads to destruction while humility precedes honor, a near-verbal parallel to the contrast in Prov. 29:23.
- Proverbs 22:4 (thematic): Connects humility (and fear of the LORD) with riches and honor, echoing the promise of honor for the lowly in Prov. 29:23.
- Luke 14:11 (allusion): Jesus’ teaching that ‘whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted’ echoes the same reversal of pride and humility found in Prov. 29:23.
- James 4:6 (thematic): ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’ parallels Prov. 29:23’s contrast between the ruin of pride and the vindication/honor of the humble.
Alternative generated candidates
- A man's pride brings him low, but the humble in spirit gains honor.
- A man’s pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor.
Pro.29.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חולק: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- גנב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שונא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ישמע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- יגיד: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 28:24 (verbal): Uses nearly the same idea of being a partner to a thief—someone who participates in or excuses theft is complicit and condemned.
- Isaiah 1:23 (verbal): Accuses leaders of being 'companions of thieves' who love bribes—echoes the motif of partnership with thieves and moral ruin.
- Psalm 50:18 (thematic): God condemns those who are pleased with a thief; both passages rebuke consenting to or approving of theft rather than exposing it.
- Exodus 23:1 (thematic): Prohibits spreading false reports and joining hands with the wicked—parallel prohibition against colluding with wrongdoing or concealing it.
- Ephesians 5:11 (thematic): Urges believers to have nothing to do with deeds of darkness but to expose them—parallels the warning against participation and silence in evil.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who shares with a thief hates his own life; he hears the oath but will not disclose it.
- He who is a companion of a thief hates his own life; when he hears the oath he does not disclose it.
Pro.29.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חרדת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- מוקש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובוטח: PART,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- ישגב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Jeremiah 17:5-8 (verbal): Explicit contrast between trusting in man (cursed) and trusting in the LORD (blessed/like a tree planted) — closely parallels the Proverbs contrast of fear/trust and their results.
- Psalm 118:8 (verbal): ‘It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man’ — a concise, direct verbal parallel rejecting confidence in humans in favor of reliance on God.
- Psalm 56:11 (thematic): ‘In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?’ — echoes the theme that trust in God removes fear of people, opposite of the snare caused by fearing men.
- Proverbs 3:5 (thematic): ‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding’ — shares the wisdom tradition’s emphasis on wholehearted trust in God rather than reliance on human judgment or fear.
- Isaiah 2:22 (thematic): ‘Stop trusting in man...’ — prophetic admonition against placing trust in mortal humans, reflecting the same warning about the folly of human-dependent fear and security.
Alternative generated candidates
- The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be exalted.
- The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be upheld.
Pro.29.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- מבקשים: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,pl
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מושל: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- ומיהוה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 118:9 (thematic): Contrasts trusting princes/rulers with trusting the LORD—underscores the folly of seeking a ruler’s favor instead of relying on God, echoing Prov 29:26’s admonition.
- Proverbs 21:1 (thematic): Affirms that the king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD who directs it; parallels the idea that a person’s fate or judgment ultimately comes from God rather than human patrons.
- Psalm 75:7 (verbal): Proclaims that God is the judge who puts down one and lifts up another, closely paralleling Prov 29:26’s claim that the LORD furnishes the judgment of a person.
- Daniel 2:21 (thematic): Declares God’s sovereign power to change times and set up or remove kings, supporting the view that human favor from rulers is subordinate to God’s judgment and authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- Many seek the favor of a ruler, but from the LORD comes a person's justice.
- Many seek the favor of a ruler, but from the LORD comes a person’s justice.
Pro.29.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תועבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- צדיקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותועבת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישר: ADJ,m,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.3:32 (verbal): Uses similar language contrasting the perverse/wicked as an abomination and the righteous as the Lord’s delight—verbal and thematic overlap with Proverbs 29:27.
- Prov.11:20 (verbal): Speaks of the perverse/wicked being an abomination to the LORD while the upright are his delight—close verbal and oppositional parallel.
- Prov.15:26 (thematic): Contrasts the wicked (their thoughts) as an abomination with the pleasantness/delight of the pure—echoes the moral polarity between wicked and righteous in 29:27.
- Ps.5:5 (thematic): Declares that God hates workers of iniquity and will not tolerate the wicked—theological parallel to the idea that perversity/wickedness is an abomination to the righteous/LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- A perverse person is an abomination to the righteous, and the upright are an abomination to the wicked.
- A man of wrongdoing is detestable to the righteous, and an upright man is detested by the wicked.
He who hardens his neck at reproof will suddenly be broken—there is no healing.
When the righteous increase the people rejoice; when the wicked rule the people groan.
He who loves wisdom brings joy to his father; the companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
A king who judges in righteousness will establish the land; one who takes bribes will destroy it.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
By the offense of a wicked man a snare takes hold, but the righteous sing and are glad.
The righteous know the cause of the poor; the wicked do not understand such knowledge.
Scornful men kindle a city; yet the wise turn away wrath.
When a wise man quarrels with a fool there is wrath and mockery, and no quiet.
Violent men hate the blameless; the upright are sought for their lives.
A fool vents all his spirit, but a man of understanding holds it back and is praised.
If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials become wicked.
A poor man and a deceitful man meet together; the LORD gives light to both their eyes.
A king who judges the poor with truth will establish his throne forever.
The rod and reproof give wisdom; a boy who is indulged brings shame to his mother.
When the wicked increase, transgression increases; but the upright will see their downfall.
Chasten your son, and he will give you rest and bring delight to your soul.
Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
A servant will not be corrected by words; though he understands, he makes no reply.
Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
He who pampers his servant from youth will in the end find him his heir.
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife; a man of wrath commits many sins.
Pride brings a man low, but a humble spirit wins honor.
He who shares with a thief hates his own life; he hears the oath but will not disclose it.
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be exalted.
Many seek the favor of a ruler, but from the LORD comes a man's righteous judgment.
The righteous is an abomination to the wicked, and the wicked is an abomination to the upright.