Proverbs 29

¹ He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³ He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but one who keeps company with harlots squanders his substance.

⁴ By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who exacts gifts ruins it.

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

⁶ An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

⁷ A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

⁸ Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.

⁹ If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless, and the wicked seek his life.

¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.

¹³ The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ If a king judges the poor with equity his throne will be established for ever.

¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases; but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

¹⁸ Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

¹⁹ By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not give heed.

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 childhood, will in the end find him his heir.

²² A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger causes much transgression.

²³ A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

²⁴ The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.

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

²⁶ Many seek the favor of a ruler, but from the LORD a man gets justice.

²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but he whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.