Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

PROVERBS 29:8KJV
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Proverbs 29:8 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 29:8 mean?

Proverbs 29:8 warns that people who are scornful or mock others can cause trouble for an entire city, trapping it in problems, while wise people know how to calm anger and prevent conflict. The verse contrasts the destructive influence of contemptuous attitudes with the peacemaking power of wisdom.

In Proverbs 29:8, the writer (traditionally Solomon) is giving practical advice about the impact of different kinds of people on a community. The verse uses the example of a city to show how the attitudes and actions of individuals—whether scornful or wise—can affect everyone around them. The focus is on how wisdom can defuse tense situations, while mockery and contempt can escalate problems for many.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 29:8

  • The word for "scornful" (לֵץ, lēts) refers to someone who mocks or shows contempt, not just someone who jokes. This word often carries the sense of someone who stirs up trouble by disrespecting others.
  • The word for "snare" (פָּחַד, pāchad, here translated as "bring...into a snare") means to set a trap or bring into danger. The verse suggests that scornful people don't just harm themselves—they endanger the whole community.
  • The word for "wise" (חָכָם, chākām) points to someone who is skillful in living, not just intelligent. Here, wisdom is shown in the ability to calm anger and avoid unnecessary conflict.
  • The word for "wrath" (אַף, aph) literally means "nose" or "anger," often picturing the flaring of nostrils in anger. Wise people know how to turn away this kind of heated emotion.

Why Proverbs 29:8 matters

  • Proverbs 29:8 clarifies that the attitude of a few can have wide-reaching effects, showing that scorn and mockery are not harmless but can put an entire community at risk.
  • The verse emphasizes the value of wisdom in leadership and everyday life, highlighting that calming anger is a sign of true wisdom.
  • Proverbs 29:8 connects to the broader theme in Proverbs about the power of words and attitudes, reminding readers that peace and conflict often start with how people treat each other.

Where else these words appear

“Scornful” Hebrew H3944 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
  • Isaiah 28:14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.

“bring” Hebrew H6315 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 10:5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.
  • Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
  • Song of Solomon 2:17 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

“city” Hebrew H7151 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.