Proverbs 29

1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.footnote a

2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.footnote b

3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

4The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.footnote c

5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.footnote d

9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.footnote e

11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

12If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.footnote f

14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.footnote g

19A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.footnote h

21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.footnote i

26Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.footnote j

27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

The Flourishing of the Righteous

1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproofwill suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4By justice a king brings stability to the land,but a man who exacts tributefootnote ademolishes it.

5A man who flatters his neighborspreads a net for his feet.

6An evil man is caught by his own sin,but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

7The righteous consider the cause of the poor,but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.

8Mockers inflame a city,but the wise turn away anger.

9If a wise man goes to court with a fool,there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.

10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man,but the upright care for his life.footnote b

11A fool vents all his anger,but a wise man holds it back.

12If a ruler listens to lies,all his officials will be wicked.

13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.

15A rod of correction imparts wisdom,but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

16When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases;but the righteous will see their downfall.

17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;he will bring delight to your soul.

18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;but blessed is he who keeps the Law.

19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone;though he understands, he will not respond.

20Do you see a man who speaks in haste?There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21A servant pampered from his youthwill bring grief in the end.

22An angry man stirs up dissension,and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

23A man’s pride will bring him low,but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

24A partner to a thief hates his own soul;he receives the oath but does not testify.

25The fear of man is a snare,but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

26Many seek the ruler’s favor,but a man receives justice from the LORD.

27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.