1Whoever still won’t obey after being warned many times will suddenly be destroyed. Nothing can save them.2When those who do right grow stronger, the people are glad. But when those who do wrong become rulers, the people groan.3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad. But a man who spends time with prostitutes wastes his father’s wealth.4By doing what is fair, a king makes a country secure. But those who only want money tear it down.5Those who only pretend to praise their neighbours are spreading a net to catch them by the feet.6Sinful people are trapped by their own sin. But godly people shout for joy and are glad.7Those who do what is right want to treat poor people fairly. But those who do what is wrong don’t care about the poor.8Those who make fun of others stir up a city. But wise people turn anger away.9Suppose a wise person goes to court with a foolish person. Then the foolish person gets mad and pokes fun, and there is no peace.10Murderers hate honest people. They try to kill those who do what is right.11Foolish people let their anger run wild. But wise people keep themselves under control.12If rulers listen to lies, all their officials become evil.13The LORD gives sight to the eyes of poor people and those who treat others badly. That’s what they both have in common.14If a king judges poor people fairly, his throne will always be secure.15If a child is corrected, they become wise. But a child who is not corrected brings shame to their mother.16When those who do wrong grow stronger, so does sin. But those who do right will see them destroyed.17If you correct your children, they will give you peace. They will bring you the delights you desire.18Where there is no message from God, people don’t control themselves. But blessed is the one who obeys wisdom’s instruction.19Servants can’t be corrected only by words. Even if they understand, they won’t obey.20Have you seen someone who speaks without thinking? There is more hope for foolish people than for that person.21A servant who has been spoiled from youth will have no respect for you later on.22An angry person stirs up fights. And a person with a bad temper commits many sins.23Pride brings a person low. But those whose spirits are low will be honoured.24To help a thief is to become your own enemy. When you go to court, you won’t dare to say anything.25If you are afraid of people, it will trap you. But if you trust in the LORD, he will keep you safe.26Many people want to meet a ruler. But only the LORD sees that people are treated fairly.27Those who do what is right hate dishonest people. Those who do what is wrong hate honest people.
Proverbs 29
English Standard Version
1He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. (1Sa 2:25; Pr 1:24; Pr 6:15; Isa 30:14; Jer 19:11)2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Es 3:15; Es 8:15; Pr 11:10; Pr 28:12; Pr 28:28)3He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. (Pr 5:9; Pr 6:26; Pr 10:1; Pr 15:20; Pr 27:11; Pr 28:7; Lu 15:13; Lu 15:30)4By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts[1] tears it down. (2Ch 9:8; Pr 29:14)5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. (Ps 9:15; Pr 28:23)6An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. (Ex 15:1; Ex 15:21; Ps 35:27; Ec 9:12)7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. (Job 29:16; Ps 41:1; Pr 28:27)8Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. (Pr 11:11)9If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. (Ec 4:6)10Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.[2] (Ge 4:5; Ge 4:8; 1Jo 3:12)11A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.12If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. (Job 25:3; Ps 13:3; Pr 22:2)14If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever. (Ps 72:4; Pr 16:12; Pr 29:4)15The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. (Pr 10:1; Pr 17:25; Pr 29:17)16When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. (Ps 37:34; Ps 37:36; Ps 58:10; Ps 91:8; Ps 92:11)17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. (Pr 13:24)18Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,[3] but blessed is he who keeps the law. (Ex 32:25; 1Sa 3:1; 2Ch 15:3; Ps 74:9; Am 8:11; Lu 11:28; Joh 13:17; Jas 1:25)19By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Pr 26:12)21Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir.[4]22A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. (Pr 15:18)23One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. (2Sa 22:28; Pr 11:2; Pr 15:33; Pr 17:19; Pr 18:12; Mt 23:12; Jas 4:6)24The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. (Le 5:1; Pr 8:36)25The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. (Ge 12:12; Ge 20:2; Ge 20:11; Ge 26:7; Lu 12:4; Joh 12:42)26Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice. (Pr 19:6; Isa 49:4; 1Co 4:4)27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked. (2Co 6:14)