Proverbs 29

¹One who becomes stiff-necked,

after many reprimands

will be shattered instantly —

beyond recovery. ^a

²When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, people groan. ^b

³A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, ^c

but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. ^d

⁴By justice a king brings stability to a land, ^e

but a person who demands “contributions” ^f

demolishes it. ^g

⁵A person who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet. ^h

⁶An evil person is caught by sin, ⁱ

but the righteous one sings and rejoices. ^j

⁷The righteous person knows the rights ^k of the poor, ^l

but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

⁸Mockers inflame a city, ^m

but the wise turn away anger.

⁹If a wise person goes to court with a fool,

there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. ⁿ,^o

¹⁰Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, ^p

but the upright care about him. ^q

¹¹A fool gives full vent to his anger, ^r,^s

but a wise person holds it in check. ^t

¹²If a ruler listens to lies, ^u

all his officials will be wicked.

¹³The poor and the oppressor have this in common: ^v

the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. ^w

¹⁴A king who judges the poor with fairness —

his throne will be established forever. ^x

¹⁵A rod of correction imparts wisdom, ^y

but a youth left to himself ^z

is a disgrace to his mother. ^aa

¹⁶When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall. ^ab

¹⁷Discipline your child, ^ac and it will bring you peace of mind

and give you delight.

¹⁸Without revelation ^ad,^ae people run wild, ^af

but one who follows divine instruction will be happy. ^ag

¹⁹A servant cannot be disciplined by words;

though he understands, he doesn’t respond. ^ah

²⁰Do you see someone who speaks too soon? ^ai

There is more hope for a fool than for him. ^aj

²¹A servant pampered from his youth

will become arrogant ^ak later on.

²²An angry person stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered one ^al increases rebellion. ^am

²³A person’s pride will humble him, ^an

but a humble spirit will gain honor. ^ao

²⁴To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;

he hears the curse but will not testify. ^ap

²⁵The fear of mankind is a snare, ^aq

but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. ^ar,^as

²⁶Many desire a ruler’s favor, ^at

but a person receives justice from the Lord. ^au

²⁷An unjust person is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright

is detestable to the wicked. ^av