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.
He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.
When the righteous thrive, 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.
Whoever 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.
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
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 snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
7 The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.
The righteous is concerned about justice for the poor. The wicked does not understand the concern.
8 Corrupt men bring a city to ruin: but wise men turn away wrath.
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men 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 foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the upright: but just men seek his soul.
The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: a wise man deferreth, and keepeth it till afterwards.
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 A prince that gladly heareth lying words, hath all his servants wicked.
If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are 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: YHWH gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 The king that judgeth the poor in truth, 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 the child that is left to his own will 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 are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.
When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Instruct thy son, and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, 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 revelation, the people cast off restraint; but he who keeps 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 can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet 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 is hasty in his words? 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.
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son 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 strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23 Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.
A man's pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
24 He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.
Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares 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 proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in YHWH will be set 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's justice comes from YHWH.
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.
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
