Proverbs 29
1 He who, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man bears rule, the people sigh.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who loves wisdom delights his father, but he who keeps company with harlots wastes his substance.
Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice the king establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts overthrows it.
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing 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 righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city in a flame, but wise men turn away wrath.
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate him who is perfect, but the upright seek his soul.
The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool utters all his anger, but a wise man keeps it back and calms it.
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler hearkens to falsehood, all his servants are wicked.
If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together. Jehovah enlightens the eyes of them both.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are increased, transgression increases, but the righteous shall look upon their fall.
When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest, yea, he will give delight to thy soul.
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint, but he who keeps the law, happy is he.
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words, for though he understands, he will not give heed.
A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
20 See thou a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who brings up his servant gently from childhood shall have him become a son at the last.
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in transgression.
An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low, but he who is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
24 He who is partner with a thief hates his own soul; he hears the adjuration and utters nothing.
Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
25 The fear of man brings a snare, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but a man's justice is from Jehovah.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.
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.
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
