Proverbs 16:29 (GNV)

Passage

A wicked man deceiueth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 16:27 A wicked man diggeth vp euill, and in his lippes is like burning fire.

Proverbs 16:28 A frowarde person soweth strife: and a tale teller maketh diuision among princes.

Proverbs 16:29 A wicked man deceiueth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

Proverbs 16:30 He shutteth his eyes to deuise wickednes: he moueth his lippes, and bringeth euil to passe.

Proverbs 16:31 Age is a crowne of glory, when it is founde in the way of righteousnes.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "wicked", "deceiueth", "neighbour", "leadeth", and "good". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "wicked" and "deceiueth", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 28's "A frowarde person soweth strife and a..." into verse 30's "He shutteth his eyes to deuise wickednes...", so "wicked" and "deceiueth" belong inside that flow. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "wicked" and "deceiueth" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.