Proverbs 29

29One who becomes stiff-necked,

after many reprimands

will be shattered instantly—

beyond recovery. ^v

²When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, people groan. ^w

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

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

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

but a man who demands “contributions” ^a

demolishes it. ^b

⁵A man who flatters ^chis neighbor

spreads a net for his feet. ^d

⁶An evil man is caught by sin, ^e

but the righteous one sings and rejoices. ^f

⁷The righteous person knows the rights ^gof the poor, ^h

but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

⁸Mockers inflame a city, ⁱ

but the wise turn away anger.

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

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

¹⁰Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, ^l

but the upright care about him. ^m

¹¹A fool gives full vent to his anger, ^no

but a wise man holds it in check. ^p

¹²If a ruler listens to lies, ^q

all his officials will be wicked.

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

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

¹⁴A king who judges the poor with fairness—

his throne will be established forever. ^t

¹⁵A rod of correction imparts wisdom, ^u

but a youth left to himself ^v

is a disgrace to his mother. ^w

¹⁶When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall. ^x

¹⁷Discipline your son, and it will bring you peace of mind ^y

and give you delight.

¹⁸Without revelation ^zapeople run wild, ^b

but one who listens to instruction will be happy. ^c

¹⁹A slave cannot be disciplined by words;

though he understands, he doesn’t respond. ^d

²⁰Do you see a man who speaks too soon? ^e

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

²¹A slave pampered from his youth

will become arrogant ^glater on.

²²An angry man stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered man ^hincreases rebellion. ⁱ

²³A person’s pride will humble him, ^j

but a humble spirit will gain honor. ^k

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

he hears the curse but will not testify. ^lm

²⁵The fear of man is a snare, ⁿ

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

²⁶Many seek a ruler’s favor, ^q

but a man receives justice from the Lord. ^r

²⁷An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright

is detestable to the wicked. ^s