Proverbs 29

29:1 The one who stiffens his neck1 after numerous rebukes2

will suddenly be destroyed3 without remedy.4

29:2 When the righteous become numerous,5 the people rejoice;

when the wicked rule, the people groan.6

29:3 The man7 who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,8

but whoever associates9 with prostitutes wastes10 his wealth.11

29:4 A king brings stability12 to a land13 by justice,

but one who exacts tribute14 tears it down.

29:5 The one15 who flatters16 his neighbor

spreads a net17 for his steps.18

29:6 In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare,19

but a righteous person can sing20 and rejoice.21

29:7 The righteous person cares for22 the legal rights23 of the poor;

the wicked does not understand such24 knowledge.

29:8 Scornful people25 inflame26 a city,27

but those who are wise turn away wrath.

29:9 If a wise person28 goes to court29 with a foolish person,

there is no peace30 whether he is angry or laughs.31

29:10 Bloodthirsty people32 hate someone with integrity;33

as for the upright, they seek his life.34

29:11 A fool lets fly with all his temper,35

but a wise person keeps it back.36

29:12 If a ruler listens to37 lies,38

all his ministers39 will be wicked.40

29:13 The poor person and the oppressor41 have this in common:42

the Lord gives light43 to the eyes of them both.

29:14 If a king judges the poor in truth,44

his throne45 will be established forever.

29:15 A rod and reproof46 impart47 wisdom,

but a child who is unrestrained48 brings shame49 to his mother.50

29:16 When the wicked increase,51 transgression increases,

but the righteous will see52 their downfall.

29:17 Discipline your child, and he will give you rest;53

he will bring you54 happiness.55

29:18 When there is no prophetic vision56 the people cast off restraint,57

but the one who keeps the law,58 blessed is he!59

29:19 A servant60 cannot be corrected61 by words,

for although62 he understands, there is no answer.63

29:20 Do you see someone64 who is hasty in his words?65

There is more hope for a fool than for him.66

29:21 If67 someone pampers his servant from youth,

he will be a weakling68 in the end.

29:22 An angry person69 stirs up dissension,

and a wrathful person70 is abounding in transgression.71

29:23 A person’s pride72 will bring him low,73

but one who has a lowly spirit74 will gain honor.

29:24 Whoever shares with a thief75 is his own enemy;76

he hears the oath to testify,77 but does not talk.

29:25 The fear of people78 becomes79 a snare,80

but whoever trusts in the Lord will be set on high.81

29:26 Many people seek the face82 of a ruler,

but it is from the Lord that one receives justice.83

29:27 An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,

and the one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.84

Next Chapter