Proverbs 29:1–14

zHe who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be abroken bbeyond healing.

2  When cthe righteous increase, the people rejoice,

but when dthe wicked rule, the people groan.

3  He who eloves wisdom makes his father glad,

but fa companion of prostitutes gsquanders his wealth.

4  By justice a king hbuilds up the land,

but he who exacts gifts1 tears it down.

5  iA man who flatters his neighbor

spreads ja net for his feet.

6  An evil man is kensnared in his transgression,

but a righteous man lsings and rejoices.

7  A righteous man mknows the rights of the poor;

a wicked man does not nunderstand such knowledge.

8  oScoffers set a city aflame,

but the wise turn away wrath.

9  If a wise man has an argument with a fool,

the fool only rages and laughs, and there is pno quiet.

10  Bloodthirsty men qhate one who is blameless

and seek the life of the upright.2

11  A fool gives full vent to his spirit,

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 rmeet together;

the Lord sgives light to the eyes of both.

14  If a king tfaithfully judges the poor,

his throne will ube established forever.