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29 The man who is often reproved but refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken and never have another chance.

With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the wicked in power, they groan.

A wise son makes his father happy, but a lad who hangs around with prostitutes disgraces him.

A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.

5-6 Flattery is a trap; evil men are caught in it, but good men stay away and sing for joy.

The good man knows the poor man’s rights; the godless don’t care.

Fools start fights everywhere while wise men try to keep peace.

There’s no use arguing with a fool. He only rages and scoffs, and tempers flare.

10 The godly pray for those who long to kill them.

11 A rebel shouts in anger; a wise man holds his temper in and cools it.

12 A wicked ruler will have wicked aides on his staff.

13 Rich and poor are alike in this: each depends on God for light.

14 A king who is fair to the poor shall have a long reign.

15 Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother.

16 When rulers are wicked, their people are too; but good men will live to see the tyrant’s downfall.

17 Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind.

18 Where there is ignorance of God, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep his laws.

19 Sometimes[a] mere words are not enough—discipline is needed. For the words may not be heeded.

20 There is more hope for a fool than for a man of quick temper.

21 Pamper a servant from childhood, and he will expect you to treat him as a son!

22 A hot-tempered man starts fights and gets into all kinds of trouble.

23 Pride ends in a fall, while humility brings honor.

24 A man who assists a thief must really hate himself! For he knows the consequence but does it anyway.

25 Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.

26 Do you want justice? Don’t fawn on the judge, but ask the Lord for it!

27 The good hate the badness of the wicked. The wicked hate the goodness of the good.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:19 Sometimes, literally, “For a servant.”

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