Proverbs 29
1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
Anyone who goes on stubbornly rejecting many warnings will be suddenly destroyed, without hope of healing.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When good people are in charge, everybody celebrates; but when the wicked rule, everybody groans.
3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
A man who loves wisdom makes his father happy, but one who visits prostitutes throws away his money.
4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
A king who rules justly makes the country secure, but one who asks for bribes will destroy it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
Those who flatter their friends lay a net to trip them up.
6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
Evil people are trapped by their own sins, but those who do right sing and celebrate.
7 The righteous is concerned about justice for the poor. The wicked does not understand the concern.
Good people care about treating the poor fairly, but the wicked don't think about it at all.
8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
Cynical people can inflame a whole city, but the wise calm angry people down.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
When a wise man takes a stupid man to court, there's raging and ridicule, but nothing is settled.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
Murderers hate people of integrity, but those who live right try to help them.
11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
Stupid people let all their anger out, while wise people quietly hold it in.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
A ruler who listens to lies will have nothing but wicked officials.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: YHWH gives sight to the eyes of both.
Poor people and their oppressors have this in common: the Lord gives life to all of them.
14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
If a king judges the poor fairly, he will have a long rule.
15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
Discipline and correction provide wisdom, but a son left undisciplined is an embarrassment to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
When the wicked are in power, sin increases; but the good will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
Discipline your children and they won't give you any worries; they will make you very happy.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but he who keeps the law is blessed.
Without a revelation from God, the people go out of control, but those who keep the law are happy.
19 A servant can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
A servant can't be disciplined by words alone; though they understand, they don't follow what they're told.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Have you seen a man who speaks without thinking? There's more hope for stupid people than for him!
21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
A servant indulged from childhood will in the end become unmanageable.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
Angry people stir up trouble, those with short tempers commit many sins.
23 A man's pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
If you're proud, you'll be humiliated; but if you're humble, you'll be honored.
24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
A thief's partner hates his life; even under the threat of being cursed he can't tell the truth.
25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in YHWH will be set on high.
Being afraid of people traps you, but if you trust in the Lord you're safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but a man's justice comes from YHWH.
Many people look for favors from a ruler, but justice comes from the Lord.
27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
Good people hate those who are unjust; the wicked hate those who do what's right.
