Proverbs 29

1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

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 thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.

3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

The man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But whoever nurtures promiscuous women will lose his substance.

4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.

A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.

5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

A man who speaks to his friend with flattering and feigned words spreads a net for his own feet.

6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

A snare will entangle the iniquitous when he sins. And the just shall praise and be glad.

7 The righteous is concerned about justice for the poor. The wicked does not understand the concern.

The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.

8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.

9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.

11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.

12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.

A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.

13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.

14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

The king who judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be secured in eternity.

15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes 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 wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

When the impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.

17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

Teach your son, and he will refresh you, and he will give delight to your soul.

18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but he who keeps the law is blessed.

When prophecy fails, the people will be scattered. Yet truly, whoever guards the law is blessed.

19 A servant can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond.

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 rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.

21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.

Whoever nurtures his servant delicately from childhood, afterwards will find him defiant.

22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

A short-tempered man provokes quarrels. And whoever is easily angered is more likely to sin.

23 A man's pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.

Humiliation follows the arrogant. And glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

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 proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD will be set on high.

Whoever fears man will quickly fall. Whoever hopes in the Lord shall be lifted up.

26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but a man's justice comes from the LORD.

Many demand the face of the leader. But the judgment of each one proceeds from the Lord.

27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

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.