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.
Anyone who goes on stubbornly rejecting many warnings will be suddenly destroyed, without hope of healing.
2 When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.
When good people are in charge, everybody celebrates; but when the wicked rule, everybody groans.
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 makes his father happy, but one who visits prostitutes throws away his money.
4 A just king setteth up the land: a covetous man shall destroy it.
A king who rules justly makes the country secure, but one who asks for bribes will destroy it.
5 A man that speaketh to his friend with flattering and dissembling words, spreadeth a net for his feet.
Those who flatter their friends lay a net to trip them up.
6 A snare shall entangle the wicked man when he sinneth: and the just shall praise and rejoice.
Evil people are trapped by their own sins, but those who do right sing and celebrate.
7 The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.
Good people care about treating the poor fairly, but the wicked don't think about it at all.
8 Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away wrath.
Cynical people can inflame a whole city, but the wise calm angry people down.
9 If a wise man contend with a fool, whether he be angry or laugh, he shall find no rest.
When a wise man takes a stupid man to court, there's raging and ridicule, but nothing is settled.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his soul.
Murderers hate people of integrity, but those who live right try to help them.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.
Stupid people let all their anger out, while wise people quietly hold it in.
12 A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.
A ruler who listens to lies will have nothing but wicked officials.
13 The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.
Poor people and their oppressors have this in common: the Lord gives life to all of them.
14 The king that judgeth the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for ever.
If a king judges the poor fairly, he will have a long rule.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will bringeth his mother to shame.
Discipline and correction provide wisdom, but a son left undisciplined is an embarrassment to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.
When the wicked are in power, sin increases; but the good will see their downfall.
17 Instruct thy son, and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.
Discipline your children and they won't give you any worries; they will make you very happy.
18 When prophecy shall fail, the people shall be scattered abroad: but he that keepeth the law is blessed.
Without a revelation from God, the people go out of control, but those who keep the law are happy.
19 A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer.
A servant can't be disciplined by words alone; though they understand, they don't follow what they're told.
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 speaks without thinking? There's more hope for stupid people than for him!
21 He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.
A servant indulged from childhood will in the end become unmanageable.
22 A passionate man provoketh quarrels: and he that is easily stirred up to wrath, shall be more prone to sin.
Angry people stir up trouble, those with short tempers commit many sins.
23 Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.
If you're proud, you'll be humiliated; but if you're humble, you'll be honored.
24 He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.
A thief's partner hates his life; even under the threat of being cursed he can't tell the truth.
25 He that feareth man, shall quickly fall: he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high.
Being afraid of people traps you, but if you trust in the Lord you're safe.
26 Many seek the face of the prince: but the judgment of every one cometh forth from the Lord.
Many people look for favors from a ruler, but justice 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.
Good people hate those who are unjust; the wicked hate those who do what's right.
