29 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but one who keeps company with harlots squanders his substance.
4 By justice a king gives stability to the land,
but one who exacts gifts ruins it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame,
but wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless,
and the wicked[a] seek his life.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood,
all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with equity
his throne will be established for ever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases;
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.
18 Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint,
but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
for though he understands, he will not give heed.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood,
will in the end find him his heir.[b]
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife,
and a man given to anger causes much transgression.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24 The partner of a thief hates his own life;
he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25 The fear of man lays a snare,
but he who trusts in the Lord is safe.
26 Many seek the favor of a ruler,
but from the Lord a man gets justice.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but he whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 29:10 Cn: Heb upright
- Proverbs 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain