Proverbs 29
1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and without remedy.
A person who has received many rebukes but who stiffens his neck will be broken in a moment beyond healing.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
When righteous people increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked person is the ruler, the people sigh.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots destroyeth [his] substance.
Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but he who keeps company with prostitutes destroys his wealth.
4 A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth it.
The king establishes the land by justice, but the one who demands bribes tears it down.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.
A man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous shall sing and rejoice.
In the sin of an evil person is a trap, but the righteous person sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge.
The righteous person knows the rights of the poor; the wicked person does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger.
Mockers set a city on fire, but those who are wise turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man contendeth with a fool, whether he rage or laugh, [he] hath no rest.
When a wise person has an argument with a fool, he rages and laughs, and there will be no rest.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the perfect, but the upright care for his soul.
The bloodthirsty hate the one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise [man] keepeth it back.
A fool reveals all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and calms himself down.
12 If a ruler hearken to lying words, all his servants are wicked.
If a ruler pays attention 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 person and the oppressor are similar, for Yahweh gives light to the eyes of them both.
14 A king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
If a king judges the poor by the truth, his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child freed from discipline puts his mother to shame.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall.
When wicked people are in power, transgression increases, but righteous people will see the downfall of those wicked people.
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 delights into your life.
18 Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the law.
Where there is no prophetic vision the people run wild, but the one who keeps the law is blessed.
19 A servant is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer.
A slave will not be corrected by words, for though he understands, there will be no response.
20 Hast thou seen a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
See a man who is hasty in his words? 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.
One who pampers his slave from youth, at the end of it there will be trouble.
22 An angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
An angry person stirs up strife and a master of rage commits many sins.
23 A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.
A person's pride brings him low, but one who has a humble spirit will be given honor.
24 Whoso shareth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration, and declareth not.
One who shares with a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse and says nothing.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected.
The fear of man makes a snare, but the one who trusts in Yahweh will be protected.
26 Many seek the ruler's face; but a man's right judgment is from Jehovah.
Many are those who seek the face of the ruler, but from Yahweh is justice for a person.
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 an abomination to righteous people, but the one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked person.
