Proverbs 29
1 A man that, having received many admonitions, still hardeneth his neck, will suddenly be broken, and this without remedy.
He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people will rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people groan.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 The man that loveth wisdom causeth his father to rejoice; but he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth [his] wealth.
Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 A king will through the exercise of justice establish [the welfare of] a land; but one that loveth gifts overthroweth it.
The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his steps.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of a man there is an evil snare: but the righteous ever singeth and rejoiceth.
An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
7 The righteous considereth the cause of the indigent: but the wicked will not understand the knowledge [of justice].
The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
8 Scornful men will kindle [confusion] in a town; but the wise turn away wrath.
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
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 court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 Men of blood hate the guiltless one; but the upright seek [to preserve] his life.
The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but the wise holdeth it back.
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler listen to the word of falsehood, all his servants become wicked.
If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
13 The poor and the man of exactions meet together: the Lord enlighteneth the eyes of both of them.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 When a king judgeth in truth the indigent, his throne shall stand firmly for ever.
The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof impart wisdom; but a lad abandoned to himself bringeth shame on his mother.
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
16 With the increase of the wicked transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall yet look on their downfall.
When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct thy son, and he will procure thee rest: yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring 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 revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.
19 Not with words [alone] can a servant be corrected; for though he understand, there will be no response.
A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
20 Seest then a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope for a fool than for him.
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If one rear his servant delicately from his youth, then will he at length become as [his] son.
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
22 A man of anger stirreth up strife; and a man of fury aboundeth in transgression.
An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23 The pride of a man will humble him; but the humble in spirit will attain to honor.
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
24 Whoso divideth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration and dareth not to tell.
Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
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 proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
26 Many seek the favor of a ruler; but from the Lord cometh justice for man.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.
27 An abomination of the righteous is an unjust man: and an abomination of the wicked is one who is upright in [his] way.
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
