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 receiveth 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 neighbor 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 blood-thirsty 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 enlighteneth 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; yes, 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 honor 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 discloseth [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 favor; 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.
