Proverbs 29

1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes
will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king gives a country stability,
but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

5 Whoever flatters his neighbor
is spreading a net for his feet.

6 An evil man is snared by his own sin,
but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

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

8 Mockers stir up a city,
but wise men turn away anger.

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

10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity
and seek to kill the upright.

11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man keeps himself under control.

12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his officials become wicked.

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

14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
his throne will always be secure.

15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom,
but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

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

17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace;
he will bring delight to your soul.

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

19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words;
though he understands, he will not respond.

20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 If a man pampers his servant from youth,
he will bring grief in the end.

22 An angry man stirs up dissension,
and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

23 A man's pride brings him low,
but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy;
he is put under oath and dare not testify.

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

26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that man gets justice.

27 The righteous detest the dishonest;
the wicked detest the upright.

PROVERBS 29

Use Good Sense

1 If you keep being stubborn
after many warnings,
you will suddenly discover
you have gone too far.

2 When justice rules a nation,
everyone is glad;
when injustice rules,
everyone groans.

3 If you love wisdom
your parents will be glad,
but chasing after bad women
will cost you everything.

4 An honest ruler
makes the nation strong;
a ruler who takes bribes
will bring it to ruin.

5 Flattery is nothing less
than setting a trap.

6 Your sins will catch you,
but everyone who lives right
will sing and celebrate.

7 The wicked don't care
about the rights of the poor,
but good people do.

8 Sneering at others is a spark
that sets a city on fire;
using good sense can put out
the flames of anger.

9 Be wise and don't sue a fool.
You won't get satisfaction,
because all the fool will do
is sneer and shout.

10 A murderer hates everyone
who is honest
and lives right.t

11 Don't be a fool
and quickly lose your temper—
be sensible and patient.

12 A ruler who listens to lies
will have corrupt officials.

13 The poor and all who abuse them
must each depend on God
for light.

14 Kings who are fair to the poor
will rule a long time.

15 Correct your children,
and they will be wise;
children out of control
disgrace their mothers.

16 Crime increases
when crooks are in power,
but law-abiding citizens
will see them fall.

17 If you correct your children,
they will bring you peace
and happiness.

18 Without guidance from God
law and order disappear,
but God blesses everyone
who obeys his Law.

19  t Even when servants are smart,
it takes more than words
to make them obey.

20 There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who speaks
without thinking.

21 Slaves that you treat kindly
from their childhood
will cause you sorrow.t

22 A person with a quick temper
stirs up arguments
and commits a lot of sins.

23 Too much pride brings disgrace;
humility leads to honor.

24 If you take part in a crime
you are your worst enemy,
because even under oath
you can't tell the truth.

25 Don't fall into the trap
of being a coward—
trust the [Lord],
and you will be safe.

26 Many try to make friends
with a ruler,
but justice comes
from the [Lord].

27 Good people and criminals
can't stand each other.