Proverbs 29
1 HE WHO, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed--and that without remedy.2 When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.3 Whoever loves skillful and godly Wisdom rejoices his father, but he who associates with harlots wastes his substance.4 The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts and tribute overthrows it.5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his own feet.6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous man sings and rejoices.7 The [consistently] righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. 8 Scoffers set a city afire [inflaming the minds of the people], but wise men turn away wrath.9 If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest.10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek [to save] his life. 11 A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked.13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together--the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame.16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall see the fall of the wicked.17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.18 Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]--blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he. 19 A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not answer [the master who mistreats him].20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him.21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward.22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger commits and causes much transgression.23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24 Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life; he falls under the curse [pronounced upon him who knows who the thief is] but discloses nothing.25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.26 Many crave and seek the ruler’s favor, but the wise man [waits] for justice from the Lord.27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way [of the Lord] is an abomination to the wicked.
Proverbs 29
If People Can't See What God Is Doing
1 For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them.
2 When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.
3 If you love wisdom, you'll delight your parents, but you'll destroy their trust if you run with whores.
4 A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste.
5 A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he's probably planning to take advantage of you.
6 Evil people fall into their own traps; good people run the other way, glad to escape.
7 The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea.
8 A gang of cynics can upset a whole city; a group of sages can calm everyone down.
9 A sage trying to work things out with a fool gets only scorn and sarcasm for his trouble.
10 Murderers hate honest people; moral folks encourage them.
11 A fool lets it all hang out; a sage quietly mulls it over.
12 When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil.
13 The poor and their abusers have at least something in common: they can both see—their sight, God's gift!
14 Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly.
15 Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents.
16 When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild, but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse.
17 Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did— they'll turn out delightful to live with.
18 If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
19 It takes more than talk to keep workers in line; mere words go in one ear and out the other.
20 Observe the people who always talk before they think— even simpletons are better off than they are.
21 If you let people treat you like a doormat, you'll be quite forgotten in the end.
22 Angry people stir up a lot of discord; the intemperate stir up trouble.
23 Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors.
24 Befriend an outlaw and become an enemy to yourself. When the victims cry out, you'll be included in their curses if you're a coward to their cause in court.
25 The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.
26 Everyone tries to get help from the leader, but only God will give us justice.
27 Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil; the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness.