Proverbs 29
1 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.
A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.
2 When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.
When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
3 The man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But whoever nurtures promiscuous women will lose his substance.
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 A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.
A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.
5 A man who speaks to his friend with flattering and feigned words spreads a net for his own feet.
A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.
6 A snare will entangle the iniquitous when he sins. And the just shall praise and be glad.
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 just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
8 Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.
Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.
9 A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.
If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.
Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
11 A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.
A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.
12 A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.
If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
13 The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.
The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.
14 The king who judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be secured in eternity.
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 The rod and its correction distribute wisdom. But the child who is left to his own will, brings shame to 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 impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.
When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.
17 Teach your son, and he will refresh you, and he will give delight to your soul.
Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul.
18 When prophecy fails, the people will be scattered. Yet truly, whoever guards the law is blessed.
Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.
19 A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to 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 Have you seen a man rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.
Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is more hope for a foolish man than for him.
21 Whoever nurtures his servant delicately from childhood, afterwards will find him defiant.
If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end.
22 A short-tempered man provokes quarrels. And whoever is easily angered is more likely to sin.
An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong.
23 Humiliation follows the arrogant. And glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.
A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
24 Whoever participates with a thief hates his own soul; for he listens to his oath and does not denounce him.
A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.
25 Whoever fears man will quickly fall. Whoever hopes in the Lord shall be lifted up.
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 demand the face of the leader. But the judgment of each one proceeds 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 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.
An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
