People React to How They Are Treated

Proverbs 29:15-27

“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” (Proverbs 29:15)

Teaching and correction and punishment teach a child to think things through and make good decisions.   A child who is left to himself without guidance will embarrass his parents because he has no basis on which to make good decisions. 

“When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.” (Proverbs 29:16)

People naturally push the limits and when wickedness is accepted by society, people feel free to do more and worse things.  Crime and immorality begins to grow, but it will only be about a generation before the society collapses and those who have done right will live to see the collapse.

“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:17-18)

This verse is very closely related to verse 15.  If you don’t want to be ashamed by your children’s behavior, take the trouble to teach them to make good decisions and do what is right and you can be proud instead.  Without a sense of direction, people destroy themselves.    People who know and keep God’s commands are blessed in many ways.  John 14:21 promises, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

“A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.” (Proverbs 29:19)

People resent being ordered around and told what to do.  They may be afraid to say anything to those in authority, but that doesn’t mean they agree, or that they are going to do as ordered.  Their failure to respond usually indicates a sense of resentment rather than of misunderstanding.   

“ Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” (Proverbs 29:20)

A person who is quick to jump to conclusions or make commitments frequently commits to things that will not work and pride or other factors may make it very difficult to change his direction.   There’s more hope for an idiot than for a person who can’t admit they made a bad decision. 

“He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.” (Proverbs 29:21)

By carefully nurturing a good relationship with an employee, avoiding a bossy, dictatorial style will result in an employee who likes and wants to work with his employer like a boy wanting to work with his father. 

“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” (Proverbs 29:22)

Angry people say and do things that irritate and anger other people, resulting in conflict.  A person who allows his anger to get out of control does all kinds of things that are not right, from cussing an innocent person out, to putting people’s lives in danger.  It’s better to avoid such people.

“A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” (Proverbs 29:23)

A person’s pride prevents him from admitting mistakes or dangers, leading to humiliation and failure.  A person who doesn’t have that kind of pride and honestly admits his weaknesses will receive respect and praise. 

“Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.” (Proverbs 29:24)

A person who hangs out with thieves doesn’t have much self-respect or consider his life worth much.  Thieves often justify their stealing by running down other people to make it look like they have no right to what they own.  Their associates and friends listen to that abuse of other people and don’t try to stop it because they don’t value people, including themselves. 

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.  Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.” (Proverbs 29:25-26)

Fear of what others think or will do prevents many people from accomplishing worthwhile things, making them dependent on other people.  Putting our trust in the Lord frees us from the concern about whether other people will help or oppose one’s plans.  Most people are concerned about government’s approval, but God’s approval is the only one that really matters.   

“An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.” (Proverbs 29:27)

Honest, morally upright people despise dishonest and immoral people, and dishonest, immoral people despise those who do what is right.