Proverbs 29
1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and without remedy.
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots destroyeth [his] substance.
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth it.
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous shall sing and rejoice.
An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge.
The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
8 Scornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger.
Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man contendeth with a fool, whether he rage or laugh, [he] hath no rest.
If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the perfect, but the upright care for his soul.
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise [man] keepeth it back.
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
12 If a ruler hearken to lying words, all his servants are wicked.
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13 The indigent and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 A king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall.
When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest, and shall give delight unto thy 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 cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the law.
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
19 A servant is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer.
A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Hast thou seen a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall in the end have him as a son.
A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
22 An angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23 A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 Whoso shareth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration, and declareth not.
A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected.
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
26 Many seek the ruler's face; but a man's right judgment is from Jehovah.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; and he that is of upright way is an abomination to the wicked [man].
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
