Proverbs 29
1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be broken, and that without remedy.
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 the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people sigh.
When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance.
The man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But whoever nurtures promiscuous women will lose his substance.
4 The king by justice establisheth the land; but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.
A man who speaks to his friend with flattering and feigned words spreads a net for his own feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
A snare will entangle the iniquitous when he sins. And the just shall praise and be glad.
7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge.
The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
8 Scornful men set a city in a blaze; but wise men turn away wrath.
Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.
9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.
10 The men of blood hate him that is sincere; and as for the upright, they seek his life.
Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.
11 A fool spendeth all his spirit; but a wise man stilleth it within him.
A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.
12 If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked.
A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD giveth light to the eyes of them both.
The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, 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 a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
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 increased, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall gaze upon their fall.
When the impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.
17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.
Teach your son, and he will refresh you, and 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.
When prophecy fails, the people will be scattered. Yet truly, whoever guards the law is blessed.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words; for though he understand, there will be no response.
A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond.
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 rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become master at the last.
Whoever nurtures his servant delicately from childhood, afterwards will find him defiant.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
A short-tempered man provokes quarrels. And whoever is easily angered is more likely to sin.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low; but he that is of a lowly spirit shall attain to honour.
Humiliation follows the arrogant. And glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
Whoever participates with a thief hates his own soul; for he listens to his oath and does not denounce him.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be set up on high.
Whoever fears man will quickly fall. Whoever hopes in the Lord shall be lifted up.
26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but a man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
Many demand the face of the leader. But the judgment of each one proceeds 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.
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.
