Proverbs 29:4-18

English Standard Version

⁴ By justice a king ^(A)builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts^[a] tears it down.
^5 (B)A man who flatters his neighbor
    spreads ^(C)a net for his feet.
⁶ An evil man is ^(D)ensnared in his transgression,
    but a righteous man ^(E)sings and rejoices.
⁷ A righteous man ^(F)knows the rights of the poor;
    a wicked man does not ^(G)understand such knowledge.
^8 (H)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 ^(I)no quiet.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men ^(J)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.
¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.
¹³ The poor man and the oppressor ^(K)meet together;
    the Lord ^(L)gives light to the eyes of both.
¹⁴ If a king ^(M)faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will ^(N)be established forever.
^15 (O)The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself ^(P)brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but ^(Q)the righteous will look upon their downfall.
^17 (R)Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
¹⁸ Where ^(S)there is no prophetic vision the people ^(T)cast off restraint,^[c]
    but blessed is he who ^(U)keeps the law.