Proverbs 29:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Scornful {H3944} men {H582} bring {H6315} a city {H7151} into a snare {H6315}: but wise {H2450} men turn away {H7725} wrath {H639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Scoffers can inflame a city, but the wise can calm the fury.

Berean Standard Bible

Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.

American Standard Version

Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 29:8 presents a profound antithesis, illustrating the divergent impacts of two distinct character types on a community. Scornful individuals, marked by their arrogance and disdain, actively sow discord and create conditions that ensnare a city in peril, leading to strife and potential ruin. In stark contrast, wise individuals, possessing discernment and humility, are agents of peace and reconciliation, capable of de-escalating tensions and averting the destructive consequences of anger, thereby fostering stability and well-being within society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 29:8 is situated within a larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 25-29), which often employs **antithetical parallelism** to highlight the stark differences between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. This particular verse fits seamlessly into the broader thematic emphasis on the societal consequences of individual character and leadership. The book of Proverbs is not merely a collection of isolated maxims but a comprehensive guide for living a life that honors God and promotes communal flourishing. It frequently addresses the practical implications of one's disposition and actions on others, underscoring that personal virtue (or vice) has ripple effects throughout the "city" or community. The wisdom advocated here is not abstract philosophical knowledge but practical discernment for navigating human relationships and societal dynamics.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "city" (Hebrew: *qiryâh*) was more than just a geographical location; it represented a communal entity, a hub of social, economic, and religious life. The well-being of a city was intrinsically linked to the character of its inhabitants, particularly its leaders and influential figures. Public discourse and decision-making often occurred at the city gates, where elders and wise men would gather to arbitrate disputes and offer counsel. In such a context, the presence of "scornful men" (Hebrew: *lâtsôwn*)—those who mock, deride, and refuse counsel—would be deeply disruptive to social cohesion and justice. Conversely, "wise men" (Hebrew: *châkâm*), who embodied prudence and sought harmony, were vital for maintaining order, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the collective prosperity and peace of the community. The concept of "wrath" (Hebrew: *ʼaph*) often refers to intense anger, potentially leading to violence or societal breakdown, making the role of the wise in "turning away" such destructive forces critically important.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 29:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights **The Destructive Power of Folly and Scorn**, illustrating how an arrogant, mocking, and contentious spirit can lead a community into peril. Such individuals, by their very nature, invite conflict and instability, creating a "snare" that traps the unwary or the entire society. This aligns with warnings found elsewhere, such as in [Proverbs 22:10](/proverbs/22-10 "Proverbs 22:10 - Drive Out a Scoffer") which advises driving out a scoffer to end strife. Secondly, it champions **The Peacemaking and Preserving Power of Wisdom**. The wise are depicted as active agents of reconciliation and de-escalation, using their discernment to avert anger and promote harmony. This echoes the sentiment of [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath"), where a gentle answer is said to turn away wrath. Finally, the verse underscores the **Societal Impact of Individual Character**, emphasizing that personal choices and dispositions have profound collective consequences. Whether in a family, a local community, or a nation, the prevailing character of its members, especially those in positions of influence, directly determines its trajectory towards either chaos or peace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scornful (Hebrew, _lâtsôwn'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to mock" or "to deride," this term describes an individual characterized by arrogance, contempt, and disdain for others, especially those who hold truth or authority. A "scornful man" is one who mocks wisdom, rejects correction, and delights in scoffing, thereby fostering an atmosphere of disrespect and contention.
* **bring into a snare (Hebrew, _pûwach'_):** This verb literally means "to puff," "to blow," or "to utter," but in this context, it carries the sense of "to bring into a snare" or "to entice." It implies an active, often insidious, process by which the scornful man's words and actions create a trap or a dangerous situation for the community. Their destructive influence is not passive but an active "blowing" or "uttering" that leads to peril.
* **wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This term denotes someone who is intelligent, skillful, and prudent. Biblical wisdom (chokmah) is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living rightly in God's world. A "wise man" possesses discernment, understands consequences, and applies knowledge to situations for beneficial outcomes, often characterized by humility and a desire for peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Scornful men bring a city into a snare":** This clause describes the destructive impact of individuals who embody scorn. Such men, characterized by their mocking attitude, arrogance, and resistance to instruction, do not merely cause personal harm but actively introduce danger and ruin into the entire community ("city"). Their contentious words and divisive actions create an environment ripe for conflict, social unrest, or even moral decay, effectively setting a "snare" or trap that can lead to the downfall or severe suffering of the collective.
* **"but wise [men] turn away wrath":** In stark contrast, this clause highlights the redemptive and stabilizing influence of wise individuals. Possessing discernment, humility, and a commitment to peace, these men actively intervene to de-escalate anger and prevent its destructive consequences. "Turning away wrath" implies a proactive effort to soothe tensions, offer sound counsel, mediate disputes, and guide the community away from the precipice of conflict and towards harmony. Their presence acts as a buffer against the very forces of destruction unleashed by the scornful.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 29:8 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure presents two contrasting ideas or statements, where the second line expresses the opposite thought of the first, thereby highlighting the profound difference between the two. Here, the destructive action of "scornful men" bringing a "city into a snare" is directly contrasted with the constructive action of "wise men" who "turn away wrath." This sharp juxtaposition emphasizes the moral and practical consequences of each character type. Additionally, the phrase "bring a city into a **snare**" employs **Metaphor**, where a physical trap is used to represent the spiritual, social, or political dangers and ruin that scornful behavior inflicts upon a community. The "city" itself can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the part (the city's inhabitants) stands for the whole (the city as a collective entity or society).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 29:8 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of wisdom as a divine attribute and a practical necessity for human flourishing. It underscores the profound theological truth that human character, whether aligned with divine wisdom or rebellious folly, has tangible consequences not only for the individual but for the entire community. The verse reflects God's concern for justice, order, and peace within society, demonstrating that He has ordained principles by which communities can thrive or suffer. The "scornful man" embodies a spirit of rebellion against God's established order and wisdom, leading to chaos, while the "wise man" reflects God's own nature, bringing healing and reconciliation. This distinction between those who sow discord and those who promote peace is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the call for believers to be agents of reconciliation in a broken world.

* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath")
* [James 3:17-18](/james/3-17 "James 3:17-18 - Wisdom from Above")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed Are the Peacemakers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 29:8 serves as a potent mirror for self-examination and a guide for responsible living within any community. It challenges us to honestly assess our own influence: are we, by our words and attitudes, contributing to the "snare" of discord and conflict, or are we actively engaged in "turning away wrath" and fostering an environment of peace? This verse is particularly relevant for those in positions of leadership, whether in the home, workplace, church, or public sphere, reminding them that their character directly shapes the well-being of those under their influence. It calls us to cultivate humility, listen actively, speak thoughtfully, and prioritize reconciliation over contention. In a world often polarized by angry rhetoric and divisive scorn, the wisdom of this proverb urges us to be intentional peacemakers, recognizing that even small acts of humility and gentle responses can de-escalate significant tensions and contribute to the flourishing of our collective human experience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my own words or attitudes inadvertently contribute to "bringing a city into a snare" in my personal relationships or community?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to embody the wisdom that "turns away wrath" in a challenging conversation or conflict?**
* **How can I better discern the difference between constructive criticism and "scornful" speech, both in myself and in others?**
* **Considering my spheres of influence, how am I actively working to foster peace and de-escalate tension, rather than allowing division to fester?**

### FAQ
**What does 'scornful men' mean in this context?**

Answer: In Proverbs 29:8, "scornful men" (Hebrew: *lâtsôwn*) refers to individuals characterized by arrogance, insolence, and a mocking disdain for wisdom, authority, and often, God Himself. They are not merely critical but are dismissive, cynical, and derive pleasure from deriding others or established norms. Their attitude is often rooted in pride and a refusal to learn or accept correction, leading them to sow discord and strife within a community. They are the antithesis of the wise, who value humility and seek understanding.

**How does a city get 'brought into a snare' by scornful men?**

Answer: Scornful men bring a city into a snare by their divisive and contentious behavior. Their mocking words, refusal to compromise, and disdain for truth or justice create an atmosphere of distrust and animosity. This can lead to social unrest, political instability, internal conflicts, or even external threats, trapping the community in a cycle of strife and peril. Their influence erodes the foundations of peace and cooperation, making the "city" (or community) vulnerable to various forms of ruin, much like an animal caught in a trap. This destructive power is a recurring theme, as seen in [Proverbs 14:3](/proverbs/14-3 "Proverbs 14:3 - The Mouth of a Fool").

**What is the practical difference between a 'scornful man' and a 'wise man' in their impact on society?**

Answer: The practical difference is profound and antithetical. A scornful man actively destabilizes society; his words and actions provoke anger, foster division, and lead to conflict, effectively creating a "snare" of peril for the community. In contrast, a wise man actively stabilizes and builds up society; his discernment, humility, and gentle responses serve to de-escalate tensions, resolve disputes, and "turn away wrath," thereby promoting peace, harmony, and well-being. The wise man's influence is constructive and unifying, while the scornful man's is destructive and fragmenting, as further illuminated by the contrast in [Proverbs 10:11](/proverbs/10-11 "Proverbs 10:11 - The Mouth of the Righteous").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 29:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine wisdom that turns away wrath and utterly refutes the spirit of scorn. While scornful men bring a city into a snare through their divisive words and actions, Christ, as the very **Wisdom of God** (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")), came not to ensnare but to liberate. He perfectly demonstrated how to "turn away wrath," not merely through gentle words, but through His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross. By becoming the propitiation for our sins, Jesus absorbed the divine wrath against humanity, reconciling us to God and establishing peace (cf. [Romans 5:9-10](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9-10 - Reconciled by Christ's Blood") and [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")). Furthermore, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, continually taught and modeled peacemaking, instructing His followers to be "blessed... peacemakers" (cf. [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")), and demonstrating patience and grace even in the face of intense scorn and derision (cf. [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")). Thus, through Christ, believers are empowered by His Spirit to be agents of reconciliation, reflecting His wisdom in a world still prone to scorn, actively working to turn away wrath and build communities of peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 11:11

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Jeremiah 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Proverbs 16:14

¶ The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

James 5:15

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

James 5:18

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.