Proverbs 29
1 He who, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
The man who, with a stiff neck, treats the one who corrects him with contempt will be suddenly overwhelmed to his own destruction, and reason shall not follow him.
2 When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man bears rule, the people sigh.
When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.
3 He who loves wisdom delights his father, but he who keeps company with harlots wastes his substance.
The man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But whoever nurtures promiscuous women will lose his substance.
4 By justice the king establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts overthrows it.
A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.
A man who speaks to his friend with flattering and feigned words spreads a net for his own feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
A snare will entangle the iniquitous when he sins. And the just shall praise and be glad.
7 A righteous man takes knowledge of the cause of the poor. A wicked man has no such understanding to know.
The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city in a flame, but wise men turn away wrath.
Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.
9 If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate him who is perfect, but the upright seek his soul.
Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.
11 A fool utters all his anger, but a wise man keeps it back and calms it.
A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.
12 If a ruler hearkens to falsehood, all his servants are wicked.
A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together. Jehovah enlightens the eyes of them both.
The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.
14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
The king who judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be secured in eternity.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
The rod and its correction distribute wisdom. But the child who is left to his own will, brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are increased, transgression increases, but the righteous shall look upon their fall.
When the impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.
17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest, yea, he will give delight to thy soul.
Teach your son, and he will refresh you, and he will give delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint, but he who keeps the law, happy is he.
When prophecy fails, the people will be scattered. Yet truly, whoever guards the law is blessed.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words, for though he understands, he will not give heed.
A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond.
20 See thou a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Have you seen a man rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.
21 He who brings up his servant gently from childhood shall have him become a son at the last.
Whoever nurtures his servant delicately from childhood, afterwards will find him defiant.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in transgression.
A short-tempered man provokes quarrels. And whoever is easily angered is more likely to sin.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low, but he who is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
Humiliation follows the arrogant. And glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 He who is partner with a thief hates his own soul; he hears the adjuration and utters nothing.
Whoever participates with a thief hates his own soul; for he listens to his oath and does not denounce him.
25 The fear of man brings a snare, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
Whoever fears man will quickly fall. Whoever hopes in the Lord shall be lifted up.
26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but a man's justice is from Jehovah.
Many demand the face of the leader. But the judgment of each one proceeds from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to a wicked man.
The just abhor an impious man. And the impious abhor those who are on the right way. By keeping the word, the son shall be free from perdition.
