12 If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor (A)meet together;
    the Lord (B)gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king (C)faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will (D)be established forever.
15 (E)The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself (F)brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but (G)the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 (H)Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
18 Where (I)there is no prophetic vision the people (J)cast off restraint,[a]
    but blessed is he who (K)keeps the law.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:18 Or the people are discouraged

12 If a ruler(A) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.(B)

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
    The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.(C)

14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
    his throne will be established forever.(D)

15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
    but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.(E)

16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
    but the righteous will see their downfall.(F)

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
    they will bring you the delights you desire.(G)

18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.(H)

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