Proverbs 29
1 The man that with a stiff neck despiseth him that reproveth him, shall suddenly be destroyed: and health shall not follow him.
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2 When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man that loveth wisdom, rejoiceth his father: but he that maintaineth bar lots, shall squander away his substance.
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
5 A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 A snare shall entangle the wicked man when he sinneth: and the just shall praise and rejoice.
An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
7 The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.
The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
8 Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away wrath.
Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry or laugh, he shall find no rest.
If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his soul.
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
12 A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 The king that judgeth the poor in truth, 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 the child that is left to his own will bringeth his mother to shame.
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.
When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Instruct thy son, and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
18 When prophecy shall fail, the people shall be scattered abroad: but he that keepeth the law is blessed.
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
19 A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and 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 to speak? folly is rather to be looked for, than his amendment.
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.
A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
22 A passionate man provoketh quarrels: and he that is easily stirred up to wrath, shall be more prone to sin.
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23 Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.
A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.
25 He that feareth man, shall quickly fall: he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high.
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
26 Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of every one cometh forth from the Lord.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27 The just abhor the wicked man: and the wicked loathe them that are in the right way. The son that keepeth the word, shall be free from destruction.
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
