Proverbs 29

1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be broken, and that without remedy.

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

2 When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice: but when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.

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

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth [his] substance.

Whoever 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.

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

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.

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 snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor: the wicked hath not understanding to know [it].

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

8 Scornful men set a city in a flame: but wise men turn away wrath.

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

9 If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.

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

10 The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect: and as for the upright, they seek his life.

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

11 A fool uttereth all his anger: but a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.

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

12 If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked.

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

13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together: the LORD lighteneth the eyes of them both.

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

14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

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

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.

The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

16 When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall look upon their fall.

When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

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

18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

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

19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not give heed.

A servant can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet 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 is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become a son at the last.

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

22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.

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

23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honour.

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

24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.

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

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

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

26 Many seek the ruler’s favour: but a man’s judgment [cometh] from the LORD.

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

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous: and he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

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