Proverbs 29:2-11

English Standard Version

² When ^(A)the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
    but when ^(B)the wicked rule, the people groan.
³ He who ^(C)loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but ^(D)a companion of prostitutes ^(E)squanders his wealth.
⁴ By justice a king ^(F)builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts^[a] tears it down.
^5 (G)A man who flatters his neighbor
    spreads ^(H)a net for his feet.
⁶ An evil man is ^(I)ensnared in his transgression,
    but a righteous man ^(J)sings and rejoices.
⁷ A righteous man ^(K)knows the rights of the poor;
    a wicked man does not ^(L)understand such knowledge.
^8 (M)Scoffers set a city aflame,
    but the wise turn away wrath.
⁹ If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is ^(N)no quiet.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men ^(O)hate one who is blameless
    and seek the life of the upright.^[b]
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
    but a wise man quietly holds it back.