Proverbs 29

¹ The man who remains stiff-necked and hates rebuke will be crushed suddenly beyond cure.

² When the just prevail, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³ He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but he who consorts with harlots squanders his wealth.

⁴ By justice a king gives stability to the land; but he who imposes heavy taxes ruins it.

⁵ The man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net under his feet.

⁶ The wicked man steps into a snare, but the just man runs on joyfully.

⁷ The just man has a care for the rights of the poor; the wicked man has no such concern.

⁸ Arrogant men set the city ablaze, but wise men calm the fury.

⁹ If a wise man disputes with a fool, he may rage or laugh but can have no peace.

¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate the honest man, but the upright show concern for his life.

¹¹ The fool gives vent to all his anger; but by biding his time, the wise man calms it.

¹² If a ruler listens to lying words, his servants all become wicked.

¹³ The poor and the oppressor have a common bond: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ If a king is zealous for the rights of the poor, his throne stands firm forever.

¹⁵ The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a boy left to his whims disgraces his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked prevail, crime increases; but their downfall the just will behold.

¹⁷ Correct your son, and he will bring you comfort, and give delight to your soul.

¹⁸ Without prophecy the people become demoralized; but happy is he who keeps the law.

¹⁹ By words no servant can be trained; for he understands what is said, but obeys not.

²⁰ Do you see a man hasty in his words? More can be hoped for from a fool!

²¹ If a man pampers his servant from childhood, he will turn out to be stubborn.

²² An ill-tempered man stirs up disputes, and a hotheaded man is the cause of many sins.

²³ Man's pride causes his humiliation, but he who is humble of spirit obtains honor.

²⁴ The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy: he hears himself put under a curse, yet discloses nothing.

²⁵ The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD is safe.

²⁶ Many curry favor with the ruler, but the rights of each are from the LORD.

²⁷ The evildoer is an abomination to the just, and he who walks uprightly is an abomination to the wicked.