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.
The man who, with a stiff neck, treats the one who corrects him with contempt will be suddenly overwhelmed to his own destruction, and reason shall not follow him.
2 When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.
When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.
3 A man that loveth wisdom, rejoiceth his father: but he that maintaineth bar lots, shall squander away his substance.
The man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But whoever nurtures promiscuous women will lose his substance.
4 A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.
A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.
5 A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.
A man who speaks to his friend with flattering and feigned words spreads a net for his own feet.
6 A snare shall entangle the wicked man when he sinneth: and the just shall praise and rejoice.
A snare will entangle the iniquitous when he sins. And the just shall praise and be glad.
7 The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.
The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
8 Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away wrath.
Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.
9 If a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry or laugh, he shall find no rest.
A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his soul.
Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.
A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.
12 A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.
A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.
13 The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.
The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.
14 The king that judgeth the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for ever.
The king who judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be secured in eternity.
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 its correction distribute wisdom. But the child who is left to his own will, brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.
When the impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.
17 Instruct thy son, and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.
Teach your son, and he will refresh you, and 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.
When prophecy fails, the people will be scattered. Yet truly, whoever guards the law is blessed.
19 A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer.
A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond.
20 Hast thou seen a man hasty to speak? folly is rather to be looked for, than his amendment.
Have you seen a man rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.
21 He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.
Whoever nurtures his servant delicately from childhood, afterwards will find him defiant.
22 A passionate man provoketh quarrels: and he that is easily stirred up to wrath, shall be more prone to sin.
A short-tempered man provokes quarrels. And whoever is easily angered is more likely to sin.
23 Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.
Humiliation follows the arrogant. And glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.
Whoever participates with a thief hates his own soul; for he listens to his oath and does not denounce him.
25 He that feareth man, shall quickly fall: he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high.
Whoever fears man will quickly fall. Whoever hopes in the Lord shall be lifted up.
26 Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of every one cometh forth from the Lord.
Many demand the face of the leader. But the judgment of each one proceeds 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.
The just abhor an impious man. And the impious abhor those who are on the right way. By keeping the word, the son shall be free from perdition.
