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:
The LORD 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 the
LORD is kept
safe.
26 Many
seek the ruler’s
favor,
but a man’s
justice comes from
the LORD.
27 A dishonest
man detests the
righteous,
and the upright
in their
ways detest the
wicked.