February 7, 2024

Is it Okay for Christians to Vent?

Proverbs 29

Camryn Hoard
Wednesday's Devo

February 7, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

February 7, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

February 7, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

February 7, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely—God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 29:11

A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 29

1  He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2  When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3  He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4  By justice a king builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts 1 29:4 Or who taxes heavily tears it down.
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.
10  Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
    and seek the life of the upright. 2 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul
11  A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
    but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12  If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.
13  The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
    the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14  If a king faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will be established forever.
15  The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16  When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17  Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
18  Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, 3 29:18 Or the people are discouraged
    but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19  By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
    for though he understands, he will not respond.
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. 4 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain
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.
24  The partner of a thief hates his own life;
    he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25  The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
26  Many seek the face of a ruler,
    but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.
27  An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
    but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

Footnotes

[1] 29:4 Or who taxes heavily
[2] 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul
[3] 29:18 Or the people are discouraged
[4] 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 29:3–4 Verse 3 describes how a son may waste his inheritance, and v. 4 describes how a king can squander the kingdom that he inherited. The ruler who exacts gifts encourages a system of bribes and corruption, and so destroys his nation.

Study Notes

Prov. 29:7 A wicked man does not understand such knowledge because he is not truly concerned for the poor, but for himself. His declarations of concern for the poor probably have ulterior motives (see 28:5).

Study Notes

Prov. 29:12–14 A king’s administration will fall apart if he follows advice from corrupt counselors (v. 12), but it will thrive if he is just to all, even the weakest in his kingdom (v. 14). The Davidic king should be the protector of his people and the example of integrity. To give light to the eyes means to give life (compare 22:2).

Study Notes

Prov. 29:15–18 Verses 15 and 17 insist that parents should teach their children. Verses 16 and 18 describe a society in upheaval. The chaos of a child outside of parental control is comparable to the chaos of a people who refuse to obey God.

Study Notes

Prov. 29:24 Companions of criminals cannot avoid getting mixed up in their crimes. The curse such a person hears is the call to testify in a criminal proceeding (see Lev. 5:1).

Study Notes

Prov. 29:25 One who acts primarily out of a fear of man shows that he does not trust the LORD to protect him.

Study Notes

Prov. 25:1–29:27 Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs. The present form of the book of Proverbs came into existence, at earliest, in the reign of Hezekiah (reigned 715–686 B.C.; see Introduction: Author and Date). Hezekiah is credited with reviving Judah’s religious traditions (2 Kings 18:3–7). A new, expanded edition of Solomonic proverbs was apparently part of that revival.

Prov. 29:27 The Hezekiah collection ends with a simple truth: righteousness and evil are offensive to each other. Those who are faithful to God should not be surprised when they are hated by the wicked (compare John 15:18–20, 25; 1 John 3:12–13).

S3:028 Proverbs 29

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 29

As someone who deeply enjoys being in the kitchen and cooking, when I think about the word vent, the first thing that comes to mind is the steam that is released in the process of making a dish. Whether it's something on the stove top, in the oven, or in an Instant Pot, when a recipe calls for you to vent, it's really important.

Equally so in our everyday life, there are moments we need to vent. Because we live in a broken world, we will experience trouble (John 16:33) that will turn up the heat and pressure. We need a process to experience a steady and controlled release that doesn't blow the top off. To do this well, Proverbs 29:11 advises us to not give way to our own spirit, which is inherently sinful (Romans 7:18), but to instead lean into the Holy Spirit who is at work in us to vent in a way that is self-controlled and seeks to honor others and the Lord with our words.

Galatians 5:22 lists the fruit of the Spirit, one of which is self-control. Self-control can be defined as a bridling of the tongue (James 1:26) or even a slowness to anger (Proverbs 14:29). When you encounter a moment that requires you to vent, are you doing so in a calm way? Does it involve bad language or loud outbursts? By not acting in those ways, you are actively producing the fruit.

Venting can also turn unwise when we begin to speak of people in a way that does not honor God or them. God deeply cares about His people and the way we speak about them (Ephesians 4:29). He also deeply cares for our hearts, and when we vent in an unhealthy way, it may expose a deeper-rooted issue in our heart that needs to be pruned. Our outward expression is meant to be a light to others.

By processing and venting through the lenses of self-control and honoring God and others, we are quieting our spirit and making way for the Holy Spirit to move in us.

This month's memory verse

Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

– Exodus 34:6b

Discussion Questions

1. When was the last time you needed to let off some steam? What did that look like? 

2. How have you seen the Lord move in a situation that required venting? 

3. As you consider how you typically vent, does it expose any deeper-rooted issues that may need to be pruned? If so, from whom could you seek wisdom on how to do that in a self-controlled way?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Positively, one can see aspects of Jesus in this chapter, Title: "Wisdom's Melody: A Song from the Lips of the Redeemed" as if by John Newton on Proverbs 29 In Proverbs' scroll, a tale divine, A Son of Man, in grace, does shine in Proberbs twenty and nine. Reproved and scorned, His neck unbowed, Savior's touch breaks chains, love avowed. (Chorus) Oh, Jesus, Wisdom from above, Cornerstone of truth and love. In Proverbs twenty and nine points to His grace, A Savior's tale, our hiding place. Righteous increase, joy's sweet sound, In Jesus' rule, grace does abound. Justice builds a kingdom strong, Melody of love in Proverbs' song. (Bridge) Flattery's net laid bare, we see, In Jesus, humble, sets us free. Quiet strength, He holds us near, Our refuge when the tempest's near. (Outro) So let this melody of grace, In Jesus, our eternal embrace. Proverbs' truths, in Him complete, A Savior's love, our hearts shall greet. Negatively, Sherlock Holmes might see behaviors such as those of Professor Moriarty also on Proverbs 29 Sherlock Holmes: Ah, Watkins, it's good to see you. I've been delving into this intriguing case, and I believe there are subtle hints pointing towards none other than Professor Moriarty. Watkins: Professor Moriarty, sir? The Napoleon of crime himself? What makes you think he's involved in this case? Sherlock Holmes: Proverbs, my dear Watkins, proverbs. As the saying goes, "When the wicked rule, the people groan" (Proverbs 29:2). The increase in transgressions aligns with Moriarty's influence, and the wicked often leave their mark in subtle ways. Watkins: But, Holmes, how can you be so sure? Sherlock Holmes: Consider this, Watkins. "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet" (Proverbs 29:5). Moriarty, with his cunning ways, has a network of allies, and they're flattered into unwittingly aiding his malevolent schemes. It's like a finely woven net.b Sherlock Holmes: Yes, indeed. "A ruler who listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked" (Proverbs 29:12). If Moriarty has managed to deceive those in power, it would explain the prevalence of corruption we've observed. Watkins: But how do we catch him, sir? Sherlock Holmes: "The wise turn away wrath" (Proverbs 29:8). We must act wisely, not rashly. Patience and a careful strategy will be our allies. And remember, Watkins, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe" (Proverbs 29:25). In this case, trusting in our investigative skills will lead us to safety. Sherlock Holmes: Indeed, Watkins. The game is afoot, and with insight from a vantage of standing on the shoulders of giants like Proverbs, we shall expose the Napoleon of crime.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 29 in two parts – Part 1 Today my heart went right to the first verse and the phrase “prophetic vision”. This leads me right into the questions - What is my vision? Who is my prophet? In Prodigal one of the first tasks is to write a Personal Mission Statement. When used as intended, it becomes the filter through which we drive all decisions. When we work with participants, we ask them what theirs is. Dr C teaches me that the answer to my “prophet” is really one of divine revelation from God - He quotes Ross - - Thus "a nation's well-being depends on obedience to divine revelation." My opinions, the opinions of others, cultural beliefs etc have zero value or even negative value if not confirmed by divine revelation through God’s Word, God’s People and God’s Spirit. The challenge for me is to keep God as my source of revelation, mission, and purpose when the blaring bullhorns of the world are constantly in my ear, (1 John 2:15-17). My application today is to review my team’s Vision Statement and see if it lines up with my own Mission Statement.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 29 part 2 – via Genesis 1:26-28 Rulers, kings, justice, judgement, righteousness. How is God’s call to those in power modeled by Him? How am I to live it out? See below- Dr Mohler spends about 15 minutes talking about government and the trade off between order and liberty. He links it all the way back to Genesis 1-3. He included a context of how the founders oriented to this trade off. Very edifying. His daily podcast is about 20 minutes each weekday and is required listening for me. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-briefing-albertmohler-com/id390278738?i=1000644331468 ---------------------------------- There is a river whose head waters are in NE Georgia that winds in a southwesterly direction until it reaches the western Georgia boundary with Alabama. That river is called the Chattahoochee River; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chattahoochee_River. It passes Atlanta on that city’s NW side then turns south. The river goes where it’s supposed to go because that’s how God designed His system of order. Whether by intent or not the section of the river just north of Atlanta was “subdued” by a dam so that Atlanta and the surrounding area could have a consistent water supply. There is a similar lake to Atlanta’s Northwest. All of this represents “creation order”. All this was needed because the people were “fruitful and multiplied”. It was in a town called Tallapoosa near that border with Alabama that my great grandfather William David Stephenson raised his three sons; one of which was my paternal grandfather- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallapoosa,_Georgia ---------------------------------- What is interesting about this is that it's clear to me that the way my father ruled and brought justice to our home was based on what he learned from his father who learned it from his father. Interestingly, my great grandfather paternally was a Methodist circuit rider. So I assume/think he “ruled” with a fair amount of patience, mercy, and grace. Many years ago I looked up some articles on him. He was very well thought of and was lauded as a great churchman. Apparently, his son, my grandfather, had a radically different idea about parenting. As noted prior he married my grandmother in the spring of 1924 when she was pregnant with my dad. My dad hardly ever talked about his dad. When he did it was usually about the harsh corporal discipline he meted out. The lesson for me is that it only takes one or two generations to have a Godly family culture go complete awry. Just ask Solomon what he thinks of his son’s Rehoboam rule. The good news is that one can take their bad family culture and turn it around. In one generation. Amy and I have worked to do that. Very tough task. We’re hopeful. Only time will tell.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

One story: In 1995 or so I was sitting in yet another therapist’s office trying to figure out why I was so angry all the time. The therapist went through a series of deep questions about how I was raised. It didn’t occur to me that the severe corporal punishment I got so frequently was unusual. He said it was very unusual and went through an extended explanation. By the end of the conversation I was very emotional. He seemed to note this as he scooted his chair closer and leaned into me and said, “Hugh, you have to stop yelling at your kids”. Amy had told me this as had my older sister. Why am I telling you all of this? Because Proverbs 29 is all about rulers, kings, justice, judgement, righteousness. -------------------------------------------------- As noted earlier, my dad’s dad left the family in 1935 when my dad was 11. Same for my mom’s dad, (via suicide). So, both parents were raised by single mothers during the Great Depression. Sadly, I never knew either grandfather. Two verses speak to me in this regard- 19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
 for though he understands, he will not respond. It’s clear that discipline is a key way I learn. And letting me live out the consequences of my bad decisions is especially important. See Hebrews 12. That said, I see in our OT and NT readings that there is a way to execute judgement that mirrors God’s heart. 26 Many seek the face of a ruler,
 but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.
 My father and my grandfather were just men trying to do what they could. Verse 26 states clearly that only God can get “justice” right. For me, I have learned that discipline and judgment can be delivered in a way that is very different than what was modeled for me. Strict? Yes. Consistent? Yes. But in a way that conveys my love for them just as God disciplines me in a way that conveys his love for me. My prayer - With no earthly king that has the heart of David may I orient my heart so fully to Jesus that everything about me reflects the King of Kings.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 29:10 Proverbs 29:10 (ESV) Bloodthirsty men >>>hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.<<< See Mt 26:3-4; Mk 10:33-34;14:1; Lk 18:31-33; Jn 7:25-26
GJ

greg jones

Great dive on keeping our cool. The Romans reference resonated with me. “To do this well, Proverbs 29:11 advises us to not give way to our own spirit, which is inherently sinful (Romans 7:18), but to instead lean into the Holy Spirit who is at work in us to vent in a way that is self-controlled and seeks to honor others and the Lord with our words.” I like the way Paul does this in the 2nd chapter of Romans. Paul, a Jew, talking to fellow Christ following Jews about Gentile brothers in their church. “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” Romans 2:14-16 Paul notices something in the nature of certain Gentiles that “we” Jews could learn from. Later, again making a distinction as to which reader he is speaking to, Gentile or Jew. “Or do you not know, brothers-for I am speaking to those who know the law.” Romans 7:1a Romans 7:7-25 Paul continues his discourse with his Jewish readers concerning, his, relationship with the law using “I” 29 times. Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. Romans 2:1 Romans chapter 2 is all about the Jewish members of the church passing some judgements on the Gentile members. Romans chapter 7 is all about Paul passing judgement on himself to make a point to the half of his readers who share his Jewish identity. The best verse in Proverbs that probably explains the flame that is causing the steam in the Roman church- Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18 Writing ahead of any of the gospel writers Paul is casting a vision for the Roman Jews who can only see, and why would they not, Gentiles as influencing them to cast off restraints by not keeping the/their law.
TS

Teralynn Swank

Thanks for today's devo. The scriptures you referenced were helpful.
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Collin Sims

What a great devo! Proverbs 29:20 “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” goes hand in hand with verse 11. For me venting and speaking too quickly are easy ditches for me to fall into. Praying for a bridled tongue and for the fruits of the spirit to reign in me daily!
SB

Sue Bohlin

SUPER devo on venting, Camryn, BLESS YOU!! What grabbed my attention was verse 25: "Fear of man becomes a snare." Boy howdy, is THAT ever the truth! The only time I encounter the phrase "fear of man" is at re:generation, but we all need to keep it on the front burner because it controls so many of us. In so many ways. Just this morning I saw a question on a Reddit group of people detransitioning from a transgender identity. A girl who tried to become a boy and learned it doesn't work asked, "Scared that I won't ever be pretty enough for myself and how do you get rid of this feeling?" Several of the people who responded mentioned the danger of social media because that is the breeding ground for comparing oneself to others. The fear of "I'm not good enough" is based in the question, "Good enough compared to WHAT?" Fear of man, as I see it, is looking to other people for approval and fearing the shame of their (potential) disapproval. The antidote is cultivating fear of the Lord, which means looking to Him for HIS opinion. And Jesus taught us that the Father looks at us and loves us the same way He loves the Son (John 17:23). Consider the incredibly sweet and encouraging statement from God: "You are precious and honored in My sight, and I love you . . ." (Isaiah 43:4) If God looks at us with delight, and we choose to rest in that security, that can free us from the snare of the fear of man.
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Amy Lowther

1. Currently, I do not have a specific example. I do feel letting go of steam should occur when necessary so things do not accumulate. I feel venting should not involve hurting anyone or involve disrupting life for anyone. God helps me identify and understand times when it is relevant and valuable to vent. God is good. 2. God helps keep life objective, true, relevant, and valuable. God helps positives of situations be present and ready for use if you pay attention to Him. 3. Easily, venting can be a mess. But, with God’s help, venting can present truth and can be helpful. Camryn - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “We need a process to experience a steady and controlled release that doesn't blow the top off”. You also make a good point in saying we can, “lean into the Holy Spirit who is at work in us to vent in a way that is self-controlled and seeks to honor others and the Lord with our word”. We should remember to honor the Lord when we vent so something will go right.