< Proverbs 29 >
1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
The man that with a stiff neck despiseth him that reproveth him, shall suddenly be destroyed: and health shall not follow him.
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
A man that loveth wisdom, rejoiceth his father: but he that maintaineth bar lots, shall squander away his substance.
4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
A snare shall entangle the wicked man when he sinneth: and the just shall praise and rejoice.
7 The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.
8 Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
If a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry or laugh, he shall find no rest.
10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his soul.
11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.
The king that judgeth the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for ever.
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will bringeth his mother to shame.
16 When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
Instruct thy son, and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
When prophecy shall fail, the people shall be scattered abroad: but he that keepeth the law is blessed.
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer.
20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Hast thou seen a man hasty to speak? folly is rather to be looked for, than his amendment.
21 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.
22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
A passionate man provoketh quarrels: and he that is easily stirred up to wrath, shall be more prone to sin.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.
24 A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.
He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.
25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
He that feareth man, shall quickly fall: he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of every one cometh forth 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 the wicked man: and the wicked loathe them that are in the right way. The son that keepeth the word, shall be free from destruction.