Proverbs 29
1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be broken, and that without remedy.
A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.
2 When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people sigh.
When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth 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 The king by justice establisheth the land; but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.
A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous doth sing 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 righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge.
The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
8 Scornful men set a city in a blaze; 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 contendeth with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there will be 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 The men of blood hate him that is sincere; and as for the upright, they seek his life.
Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
11 A fool spendeth all his spirit; but a wise man stilleth it within him.
A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.
12 If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked.
If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD giveth light to the eyes 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 faithfully judgeth the poor, 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 a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
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 increased, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall gaze upon their fall.
When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.
17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.
Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words; for though he understand, there will be no response.
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 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope for a fool than for him.
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 delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become master at the last.
If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low; but he that is of a lowly spirit shall attain to honour.
A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be set up 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 ruler's favour; but a man's judgment cometh 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 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; and he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
