29 One who becomes stiff-necked,
after many reprimands
will be shattered instantly—
beyond recovery.(A)

When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, people groan.(B)

A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,(C)
but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.(D)

By justice a king brings stability to a land,(E)
but a man who demands “contributions”[a]
demolishes it.(F)

A man who flatters[b] his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.(G)

An evil man is caught by sin,(H)
but the righteous one sings and rejoices.(I)

The righteous person knows the rights[c] of the poor,(J)
but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

Mockers inflame a city,(K)
but the wise turn away anger.

If a wise man goes to court with a fool,
there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.[d](L)

10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person,(M)
but the upright care about him.[e]

11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,[f](N)
but a wise man holds it in check.(O)

12 If a ruler listens to lies,(P)
all his officials will be wicked.

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:[g]
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.(Q)

14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.(R)

15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom,(S)
but a youth left to himself[h]
is a disgrace to his mother.(T)

16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall.(U)

17 Discipline your son, and it will bring you peace of mind(V)
and give you delight.

18 Without revelation[i](W) people run wild,(X)
but one who listens to instruction will be happy.(Y)

19 A slave cannot be disciplined by words;
though he understands, he doesn’t respond.(Z)

20 Do you see a man who speaks too soon?(AA)
There is more hope for a fool than for him.(AB)

21 A slave pampered from his youth
will become arrogant[j] later on.

22 An angry man stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered man[k] increases rebellion.(AC)

23 A person’s pride will humble him,(AD)
but a humble spirit will gain honor.(AE)

24 To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;
he hears the curse but will not testify.[l](AF)

25 The fear of man is a snare,(AG)
but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.[m](AH)

26 Many seek a ruler’s favor,(AI)
but a man receives justice from the Lord.(AJ)

27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,
and one whose way is upright
is detestable to the wicked.(AK)

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 The Hb word for “contributions” usually refers to offerings in worship.
  2. Proverbs 29:5 Lit is smooth on
  3. Proverbs 29:7 Lit justice
  4. Proverbs 29:9 Lit rest
  5. Proverbs 29:10 Or person, and seek the life of the upright
  6. Proverbs 29:11 Lit spirit
  7. Proverbs 29:13 Lit oppressor meet
  8. Proverbs 29:15 Lit youth sent away
  9. Proverbs 29:18 Lit vision
  10. Proverbs 29:21 Hb obscure
  11. Proverbs 29:22 Lit a master of rage
  12. Proverbs 29:24 When a call for witnesses was made public, anyone with information who did not submit his testimony was under a curse.
  13. Proverbs 29:25 Lit raised high

Bible Gateway Recommends