Proverbs 29
1 A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.
He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
When the righteous thrive, 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.
Whoever 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.
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5 A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.
A man who flatters his neighbour 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 snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
7 The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
8 Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men 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 foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are 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 sight 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.
The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall 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.
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to 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 increase, sin 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.
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 are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the Torah is blessed.
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 can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet 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 is hasty in his words? 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.
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son 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 strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
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 brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honour.
24 A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says 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 is a cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have a safe place on high.
The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe.
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 favour, but a man’s justice comes from the LORD.
27 An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
