Proverbs 29

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

A person who has received many rebukes but who stiffens his neck will be broken in a moment beyond healing.

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

When righteous people increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked person is the ruler, the people sigh.

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

Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but he who keeps company with prostitutes destroys his wealth.

4 The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.

The king establishes the land by justice, but the one who demands bribes tears it down.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.

A man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

In the sin of an evil person is a trap, but the righteous person sings and rejoices.

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

The righteous person knows the rights of the poor; the wicked person does not understand such knowledge.

8 Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath.

Mockers set a city on fire, but those who are wise turn away wrath.

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

When a wise person has an argument with a fool, he rages and laughs, and there will be no rest.

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

The bloodthirsty hate the one who is blameless and 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 reveals all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and calms himself down.

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

If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his officials will be wicked.

13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.

The poor person and the oppressor are similar, for Yahweh gives light to the eyes of them both.

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

If a king judges the poor by the truth, his throne will be established forever.

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

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child freed from discipline puts his mother to shame.

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

When wicked people are in power, transgression increases, but righteous people will see the downfall of those wicked people.

17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.

Discipline your son and he will give you rest; he will bring delights into your life.

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

Where there is no prophetic vision the people run wild, but the one 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 slave will not be corrected by words, for though he understands, there will be no response.

20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

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.

One who pampers his slave from youth, at the end of it there will be trouble.

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

An angry person stirs up strife and a master of rage commits many sins.

23 A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.

A person's pride brings him low, but one who has a humble spirit will be given honor.

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

One who shares with a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse and says nothing.

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.

The fear of man makes a snare, but the one who trusts in Yahweh will be protected.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor; But a man’s judgment [cometh] from Jehovah.

Many are those who seek the face of the ruler, but from Yahweh is justice for a person.

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

An unjust man is an abomination to righteous people, but the one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked person.