Proverbs 29
1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
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 flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
The man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But whoever nurtures promiscuous women will lose his substance.
4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes 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 feet.
A man who speaks to his friend with flattering and feigned words spreads a net for his own feet.
6 An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
A snare will entangle the iniquitous when he sins. And the just shall praise and be glad.
7 The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
8 Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.
10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.
11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.
The king who judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be secured in eternity.
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces 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 thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
When the impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your 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 blessed is he who keeps the Law.
When prophecy fails, the people will be scattered. Yet truly, whoever guards the law is blessed.
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond.
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 rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.
21 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
Whoever nurtures his servant delicately from childhood, afterwards will find him defiant.
22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered 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 will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Humiliation follows the arrogant. And glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.
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 is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
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 receives justice from the LORD.
Many demand the face of the leader. But the judgment of each one proceeds from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
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.
