Proverbs 29

¹ He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

² When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³ Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

⁴ The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.

⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

⁶ An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

⁷ The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.

⁸ Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

⁹ If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

¹¹ A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

¹² If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.

¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

¹⁵ The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

¹⁷ Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.

¹⁹ A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

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 youth will have him become a son in the end.

²² An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

²³ A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.

²⁴ Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

²⁵ The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.

²⁷ A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.