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 in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

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 spendeth [his] substance.

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

4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth 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 neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

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 considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].

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

8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: 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 contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, [there is] 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 the upright: but the just seek his soul.

The bloodthirsty hate the one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards.

A fool reveals all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and calms himself down.

12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

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

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

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] bringeth his mother to shame.

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

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see 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 shall give thee rest; yea, he shall 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 perish: 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 answer.

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 [his] son at the length.

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 furious 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 honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

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 cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.

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 the LORD 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 favour; but [every] man’s judgment [cometh] from the LORD.

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 just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] 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.