< Proverbs 29 >

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

< Proverbs 29 >