Proverbs 29

¹He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck

will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

²When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

⁴The king by justice makes the land stable,

but he who takes bribes tears it down.

⁵A man who flatters his neighbour

spreads a net for his feet.

⁶An evil man is snared by his sin,

but the righteous can sing and be glad.

⁷The righteous care about justice for the poor.

The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.

⁸Mockers stir up a city,

but wise men turn away anger.

⁹If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,

the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

¹⁰The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity;

and they seek the life of the upright.

¹¹A fool vents all of his anger,

but a wise man brings himself under control.

¹²If a ruler listens to lies,

all of his officials are wicked.

¹³The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:

The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

¹⁴The king who fairly judges the poor,

his throne shall be established forever.

¹⁵The rod of correction gives wisdom,

but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

¹⁶When the wicked increase, sin increases;

but the righteous will see their downfall.

¹⁷Correct your son, and he will give you peace;

yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

¹⁸Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;

but one who keeps the law is blessed.

¹⁹A servant can’t be corrected by words.

Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

²⁰Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

²¹He who pampers his servant from youth

will have him become a son in the end.

²²An angry man stirs up strife,

and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

²³A man’s pride brings him low,

but one of lowly spirit gains honour.

²⁴Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul.

He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

²⁵The fear of man proves to be a snare,

but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe.

²⁶Many seek the ruler’s favour,

but a man’s justice comes from the LORD.

²⁷A dishonest man detests the righteous,

and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.