Proverbs 29
1 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.
He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be broken, and that without remedy.
2 When just men are multiplied, the common people shall rejoice. When the impious take up the leadership, the people shall mourn.
When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice: but when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
3 The man who loves wisdom rejoices his father. But whoever nurtures promiscuous women will lose his substance.
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth [his] substance.
4 A just king guides the land. A man of avarice will destroy it.
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
5 A man who speaks to his friend with flattering and feigned words spreads a net for his own feet.
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.
6 A snare will entangle the iniquitous when he sins. And the just shall praise and be glad.
In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7 The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor: the wicked hath not understanding to know [it].
8 Pestilent men squander a city. Yet truly, the wise avert fury.
Scornful men set a city in a flame: but wise men turn away wrath.
9 A wise man, if he were to contend with the foolish, whether in anger or in laughter, would find no rest.
If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the simple one; but the just seek out his soul.
The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect: and as for the upright, they seek his life.
11 A foolish one offers everything on his mind. A wise one reserves and defers until later.
A fool uttereth all his anger: but a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.
12 A leader who freely listens to lying words has only impious servants.
If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked.
13 The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.
The poor man and the oppressor meet together: the LORD lighteneth the eyes of them both.
14 The king who judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be secured in eternity.
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15 The rod and its correction distribute wisdom. But the child who is left to his own will, brings shame to his mother.
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
16 When the impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.
When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall look upon their fall.
17 Teach your son, and he will refresh you, and he will give delight to your soul.
Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18 When prophecy fails, the people will be scattered. Yet truly, whoever guards the law is blessed.
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19 A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond.
A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not give heed.
20 Have you seen a man rushing to speak? Foolishness has more hope than his correction.
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21 Whoever nurtures his servant delicately from childhood, afterwards will find him defiant.
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become a son at the last.
22 A short-tempered man provokes quarrels. And whoever is easily angered is more likely to sin.
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
23 Humiliation follows the arrogant. And glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honour.
24 Whoever participates with a thief hates his own soul; for he listens to his oath and does not denounce him.
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
25 Whoever fears man will quickly fall. Whoever hopes in the Lord shall be lifted up.
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26 Many demand the face of the leader. But the judgment of each one proceeds from the Lord.
Many seek the ruler’s favour: but a man’s judgment [cometh] from the LORD.
27 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.
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous: and he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
