Proverbs 29

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

A man that, having received many admonitions, still hardeneth his neck, will suddenly be broken, and this without remedy.

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

When the righteous are in authority, the people will rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people groan.

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

The man that loveth wisdom causeth his father to rejoice; but he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth [his] wealth.

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

A king will through the exercise of justice establish [the welfare of] a land; but one that loveth gifts overthroweth it.

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

A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his steps.

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

In the transgression of a man there is an evil snare: but the righteous ever singeth and rejoiceth.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.

The righteous considereth the cause of the indigent: but the wicked will not understand the knowledge [of justice].

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

Scornful men will kindle [confusion] in a town; but the wise turn away wrath.

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

If a wise man contend with a foolish man, whether he be angry or whether he laugh, [he will have] no rest.

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

Men of blood hate the guiltless one; but the upright seek [to preserve] his life.

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

A fool uttereth all his mind; but the wise holdeth it back.

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

If a ruler listen to the word of falsehood, all his servants become wicked.

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

The poor and the man of exactions meet together: the Lord enlighteneth the eyes of both of them.

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

When a king judgeth in truth the indigent, his throne shall stand firmly for ever.

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

The rod and reproof impart wisdom; but a lad abandoned to himself bringeth shame on his mother.

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

With the increase of the wicked transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall yet look on their downfall.

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

Correct thy son, and he will procure thee rest: yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.

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

Without a prophetic vision a people become unruly; but when it observeth the law, then will it be happy.

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

Not with words [alone] can a servant be corrected; for though he understand, there will be no response.

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Seest then a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope for a fool than for him.

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

If one rear his servant delicately from his youth, then will he at length become as [his] son.

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

A man of anger stirreth up strife; and a man of fury aboundeth in transgression.

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

The pride of a man will humble him; but the humble in spirit will attain to honor.

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

Whoso divideth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration and dareth not to tell.

25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

The dread of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord will be upheld in safety.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.

Many seek the favor of a ruler; but from the Lord cometh justice for man.

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

An abomination of the righteous is an unjust man: and an abomination of the wicked is one who is upright in [his] way.