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 hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.
2 When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, 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 A man that loveth wisdom, rejoiceth his father: but he that maintaineth bar lots, shall squander away 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 setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.
A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.
5 A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.
A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.
6 A snare shall entangle the wicked man when he sinneth: and the just shall praise and rejoice.
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 taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.
The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
8 Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away wrath.
Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.
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 law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his soul.
Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.
A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.
12 A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.
If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
13 The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.
The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.
14 The king that judgeth the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for ever.
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 reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will bringeth his mother to shame.
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 wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.
When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.
17 Instruct thy son, and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.
Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give 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 are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.
19 A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer.
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 Hast thou seen a man hasty to speak? folly is rather to be looked for, than his amendment.
Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is more hope for a foolish man than for him.
21 He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.
If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow 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 is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong.
23 Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.
A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
24 He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.
A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.
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 cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have a safe place on high.
26 Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of every one cometh forth 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 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 evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
