Proverbs 29
1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
A man who is a lover of wisdom is a joy to his father: but he who goes in the company of loose women is a waster of wealth.
4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.
6 An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
In the steps of an evil man there is a net for him, but the upright man gets away quickly and is glad.
7 The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
8 Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest.
10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.
The king who is a true judge in the cause of the poor, will be safe for ever on the seat of his power.
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
The rod and sharp words give wisdom: but a child who is not guided is a cause of shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
A servant will not be trained by words; for though the sense of the words is clear to him, he will not give attention.
20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is more hope for a foolish man than for him.
21 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
24 A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.
A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.
25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
The fear of man is a cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have a safe place on high.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
The approval of a ruler is desired by great numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
