Proverbs 29
1 Anyone who goes on stubbornly rejecting many warnings will be suddenly destroyed, without hope of healing.
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2 When good people are in charge, everybody celebrates; but when the wicked rule, everybody groans.
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father happy, but one who visits prostitutes throws away his money.
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 A king who rules justly makes the country secure, but one who asks for bribes will destroy it.
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
5 Those who flatter their friends lay a net to trip them up.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 Evil people are trapped by their own sins, but those who do right sing and celebrate.
An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
7 Good people care about treating the poor fairly, but the wicked don't think about it at all.
The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
8 Cynical people can inflame a whole city, but the wise calm angry people down.
Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9 When a wise man takes a stupid man to court, there's raging and ridicule, but nothing is settled.
If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
10 Murderers hate people of integrity, but those who live right try to help them.
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
11 Stupid people let all their anger out, while wise people quietly hold it in.
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
12 A ruler who listens to lies will have nothing but wicked officials.
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13 Poor people and their oppressors have this in common: the Lord gives life to all of them.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor fairly, he will have a long rule.
A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.
15 Discipline and correction provide wisdom, but a son left undisciplined is an embarrassment to his mother.
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked are in power, sin increases; but the good will see their downfall.
When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your children and they won't give you any worries; they will make you very happy.
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Without a revelation from God, the people go out of control, but those who keep the law are happy.
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
19 A servant can't be disciplined by words alone; though they understand, they don't follow what they're told.
A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Have you seen a man who speaks without thinking? There's more hope for stupid people than for him!
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 A servant indulged from childhood will in the end become unmanageable.
A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
22 Angry people stir up trouble, those with short tempers commit many sins.
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23 If you're proud, you'll be humiliated; but if you're humble, you'll be honored.
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 A thief's partner hates his life; even under the threat of being cursed he can't tell the truth.
A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.
25 Being afraid of people traps you, but if you trust in the Lord you're safe.
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
26 Many people look for favors from a ruler, but justice comes from the Lord.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27 Good people hate those who are unjust; the wicked hate those who do what's right.
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
