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 person who demands “contributions”[a]
demolishes it.(F)

A person who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.(G)

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

The righteous person knows the rights[b] 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 person goes to court with a fool,
there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.[c](L)

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

11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,[e](N)
but a wise person 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:[f]
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[g]
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 child,(V) and it will bring you peace of mind
and give you delight.

18 Without revelation[h](W) people run wild,(X)
but one who follows divine instruction will be happy.(Y)

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

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

21 A servant pampered from his youth
will become arrogant[i] later on.

22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered one[j] 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.(AF)

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

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

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

Footnotes

  1. 29:4 The Hb word for contributions usually refers to offerings in worship.
  2. 29:7 Lit justice
  3. 29:9 Lit rest
  4. 29:10 Or person, and seek the life of the upright
  5. 29:11 Lit spirit
  6. 29:13 Lit oppressor meet
  7. 29:15 Lit youth sent away
  8. 29:18 Lit vision
  9. 29:21 Hb obscure
  10. 29:22 Lit a master of rage
  11. 29:25 Lit raised high

29 Whoever remains stiff-necked(A) after many rebukes
    will suddenly be destroyed(B)—without remedy.(C)

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;(D)
    when the wicked rule,(E) the people groan.(F)

A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,(G)
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.(H)

By justice a king gives a country stability,(I)
    but those who are greedy for[a] bribes tear it down.

Those who flatter their neighbors
    are spreading nets for their feet.(J)

Evildoers are snared by their own sin,(K)
    but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

The righteous care about justice for the poor,(L)
    but the wicked have no such concern.

Mockers stir up a city,
    but the wise turn away anger.(M)

If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
    the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
    and seek to kill the upright.(N)

11 Fools give full vent to their rage,(O)
    but the wise bring calm in the end.(P)

12 If a ruler(Q) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.(R)

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
    The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.(S)

14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
    his throne will be established forever.(T)

15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
    but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.(U)

16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
    but the righteous will see their downfall.(V)

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
    they will bring you the delights you desire.(W)

18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.(X)

19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;
    though they understand, they will not respond.

20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
    There is more hope for a fool than for them.(Y)

21 A servant pampered from youth
    will turn out to be insolent.

22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
    and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.(Z)

23 Pride brings a person low,(AA)
    but the lowly in spirit gain honor.(AB)

24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
    they are put under oath and dare not testify.(AC)

25 Fear(AD) of man will prove to be a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord(AE) is kept safe.(AF)

26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,(AG)
    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.(AH)

27 The righteous detest the dishonest;
    the wicked detest the upright.(AI)

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 Or who give