Old Testament
Proverbs 29:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Scornful men bring a city into a snare, but wise men turn away wrath.
Compare translations
Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
What Proverbs 29:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the impact of attitudes and behaviors on a community. Scornful men, who are often arrogant and dismissive, can lead a city into trouble, creating conflict and division. Their negative influence can ensnare the community in strife and chaos. In contrast, wise men, who act with understanding and prudence, have the ability to diffuse anger and prevent conflict. They promote peace and harmony, steering the community away from potential disasters. The verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and the consequences of scornful behavior, suggesting that the character of individuals can significantly affect the well-being of a society.
How to apply Proverbs 29:8 to your life
To apply this verse, strive to embody wisdom in your interactions. Avoid scornful attitudes that can lead to conflict. Instead, seek to understand others and promote peace in your community. Your actions can either uplift or harm those around you, so choose wisely.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 29:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 29:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 29:8 mean?
Proverbs 29:8 means that arrogant and scornful individuals can create chaos and conflict within a community, while wise individuals have the ability to calm anger and promote peace.
What is the meaning of scornful men in Proverbs 29:8?
In Proverbs 29:8, scornful men refer to those who are dismissive and arrogant, whose negative attitudes can lead to trouble and division in society.
How can I apply Proverbs 29:8 in my life?
To apply Proverbs 29:8, focus on being wise in your interactions by avoiding scornful attitudes and instead promoting understanding and peace among those around you.
What does wise men turn away wrath mean in Proverbs 29:8?
The phrase 'wise men turn away wrath' means that individuals who act with wisdom and understanding can diffuse anger and prevent conflicts, fostering a more peaceful environment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.