29 He awho is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,

Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2 When the righteous 1are in authority, the bpeople rejoice;

But when a wicked man rules, cthe 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 dflatters 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 econsiders the cause of the poor,

But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

8 Scoffers fset a city aflame,

But wise men turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man,

gWhether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

10 hThe bloodthirsty hate the blameless,

But the upright seek his 2well-being.

11 A fool vents all his ifeelings, 3

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:

jThe Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

14 The king who judges the kpoor with truth,

His throne will be established forever.