Proverbs 29
1 A man that, having received many admonitions, still hardeneth his neck, will suddenly be broken, and this 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 in authority, the people will rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people groan.
When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
3 The man that loveth wisdom causeth his father to rejoice; but he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth [his] wealth.
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 A king will through the exercise of justice establish [the welfare of] a land; but one that loveth 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 neighbor 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 a man there is an evil snare: but the righteous ever singeth and rejoiceth.
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 considereth the cause of the indigent: but the wicked will not understand the knowledge [of justice].
The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
8 Scornful men will kindle [confusion] in a town; but the wise 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 contend with a foolish man, whether he be angry or whether he laugh, [he will have] 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 Men of blood hate the guiltless one; but the upright seek [to preserve] his life.
Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but the wise holdeth it back.
A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.
12 If a ruler listen to the word of falsehood, all his servants become wicked.
If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
13 The poor and the man of exactions meet together: the Lord enlighteneth the eyes of both of them.
The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.
14 When a king judgeth in truth the indigent, his throne shall stand firmly 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 impart wisdom; but a lad abandoned to himself bringeth shame on 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 With the increase of the wicked transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall yet look on their downfall.
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 procure 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 Without a prophetic vision a people become unruly; but when it observeth the law, then will it be happy.
Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.
19 Not with words [alone] can a servant be corrected; 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 then 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 If one rear his servant delicately from his youth, then will he at length become as [his] son.
If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end.
22 A man of anger stirreth up strife; and a man of fury aboundeth in transgression.
An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong.
23 The pride of a man will humble him; but the humble in spirit will attain to honor.
A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
24 Whoso divideth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration and dareth not to tell.
A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.
25 The dread of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord will be upheld in safety.
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 favor of a ruler; but from the Lord cometh justice for man.
The approval of a ruler is desired by great numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord.
27 An abomination of the righteous is an unjust man: and an abomination of the wicked is one who is upright in [his] way.
An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
