< Proverbs 29 >
1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and without remedy.
He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
When the righteous thrive, 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.
Whoever 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.
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.
A man who flatters his neighbour 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 snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge.
The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
8 Scornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger.
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men 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 foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the perfect, but the upright care for his soul.
The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise [man] keepeth it back.
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler hearken to lying words, all his servants are wicked.
If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are 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 sight to the eyes of both.
14 A king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall.
When the wicked increase, sin 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.
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 cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the law.
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the Torah is blessed.
19 A servant is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer.
A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet 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 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.
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
22 An angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23 A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honour.
24 Whoso shareth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration, and declareth not.
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 bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected.
The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's face; but a man's right judgment is from Jehovah.
Many seek the ruler’s favour, but a man’s justice comes 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].
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.