Proverbs 29
1 He that being often reproved stiffeneth his neck, suddenly shall be hurt, and there be no healing.
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 become great, the people rejoice, but, when a lawless man beareth rule, a people sigh.
When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.
3 A man who loveth wisdom, gladdeneth his father, but, a companion of harlots, destroyeth wealth.
The man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But whoever nurtures promiscuous women will lose his substance.
4 A king, by justice, shall establish a land, —but, a man open to bribes, bringeth it to ruin.
A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.
5 A man who flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth, a net, over 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 a wicked man, is a snare, but, the righteous, doth shout in triumph and rejoice.
A snare will entangle the iniquitous when he sins. And the just shall praise and be glad.
7 The righteous doth acknowledge the plea of the poor, but, the lawless, regardeth not knowledge.
The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
8 Men given to mockery, inflame a city, —but, wise men, turn away anger.
Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.
9 A wise man pleading with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no settlement.
A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.
10 Blood-thirsty men, hate the blameless man, and, as for the upright, they seek his life.
Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.
11 All his anger, doth a dullard let go, but, a wise man, by keeping it back, stilleth it.
A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.
12 When a ruler giveth heed to the word of falsehood, all his attendants, become lawless.
A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.
13 The poor man and the man of usury, meet together, he that enlighteneth the eyes of them both, is Yahweh.
The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.
14 When a king judgeth faithfully the poor, his throne, to futurity, shall be established.
The king who judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be secured in eternity.
15 A rod with rebuke, giveth wisdom, but, a youth unrestrained, bringeth 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 lawless become great, transgression increaseth, but, the righteous, shall behold, their ruin.
When the impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.
17 Correct thy son, that he may give thee rest, that he may give delight to thy soul.
Teach your son, and he will refresh you, and he will give delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, a people is let loose, but, he that keepeth instruction, how happy is he!
When prophecy fails, the people will be scattered. Yet truly, whoever guards the law is blessed.
19 By words, a servant will not be corrected, though he perceiveth, yet is there no answer.
A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond.
20 Thou hast seen a man hasty in his words, —there is, more hope of a dullard, than of him.
Have you seen a man rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.
21 He that dealeth tenderly with his servant from childhood, in his after life, shall have him for a son.
Whoever nurtures his servant delicately from childhood, afterwards will find him defiant.
22 A man given to anger, stirreth up strife, and, he that exceedeth in wrath, aboundeth in transgression.
A short-tempered man provokes quarrels. And whoever is easily angered is more likely to sin.
23 The loftiness of a man, layeth him low, —but, one of a lowly spirit, shall attain unto honour.
Humiliation follows the arrogant. And glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 He that shareth with a thief, hateth himself, an oath, he heareth, yet may not tell.
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, setteth a snare, but, he that trusteth in Yahweh, shall be placed on high.
Whoever fears man will quickly fall. Whoever hopes in the Lord shall be lifted up.
26 Many, seek the face of a ruler, but, from Yahweh, is the sentence of each one.
Many demand the face of the leader. But the judgment of each one proceeds from the Lord.
27 An abomination to the righteous, is the man of perversity, and, an abomination to the lawless, is a man of straightforward way.
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.
