Proverbs 29
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He that loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rageth or laugheth, there is no rest.
If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
12 If a ruler hearkeneth to lies, all his servants are wicked.
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD giveth light to both their eyes.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight to thy soul.
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understandeth he will not answer.
A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him at length become his son.
A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 Whoever is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and revealeth it not.
A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but he who putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
