Proverbs 29

1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.5 A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.6 By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.8 Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath.9  If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.14 The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond.20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.21 He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.23 A mans pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.26 Many seek the rulers favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord.27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

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.