Proverbs 29

29One who becomes stiff-necked,

after many reprimands

will be shattered instantly—

beyond recovery.^s

²When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, people groan.^t

³A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,^u

but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.^v

⁴By justice a king brings stability to a land,^w

but a person who demands “contributions”^D

demolishes it.^x

⁵A person who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet.^y

⁶An evil person is caught by sin,^z

but the righteous one sings and rejoices.^aa

⁷The righteous person knows the rights^E of the poor,^ab

but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

⁸Mockers inflame a city,^ac

but the wise turn away anger.

⁹If a wise person goes to court with a fool,

there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.^Aad

¹⁰Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person,^ae

but the upright care about him.^B

¹¹A fool gives full vent to his anger,^Caf

but a wise person holds it in check.^ag

¹²If a ruler listens to lies,^ah

all his officials will be wicked.

¹³The poor and the oppressor have this in common:^D

the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.^ai

¹⁴A king who judges the poor with fairness—

his throne will be established forever.^a

¹⁵A rod of correction imparts wisdom,^b

but a youth left to himself^E

is a disgrace to his mother.^c

¹⁶When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall.^d

¹⁷Discipline your child,^e and it will bring you peace of mind

and give you delight.

¹⁸Without revelation^Ff people run wild,^g

but one who follows divine instruction will be happy.^h

¹⁹A servant cannot be disciplined by words;

though he understands, he doesn’t respond.ⁱ

²⁰Do you see someone who speaks too soon?^j

There is more hope for a fool than for him.^k

²¹A servant pampered from his youth

will become arrogant^G later on.

²²An angry person stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered one^H increases rebellion.^l

²³A person’s pride will humble him,^m

but a humble spirit will gain honor.ⁿ

²⁴To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;

he hears the curse but will not testify.^o

²⁵The fear of mankind is a snare,^p

but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.^Iq

²⁶Many desire a ruler’s favor,^r

but a person receives justice from the Lord.^s

²⁷An unjust person is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright

is detestable to the wicked.^t