Proverbs 29
Holman Christian Standard Bible
29 One who becomes stiff-necked,
after many reprimands
will be shattered instantly—
beyond recovery.(A)
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, people groan.(B)
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,(C)
but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.(D)
4 By justice a king brings stability to a land,(E)
but a man who demands “contributions”[a]
demolishes it.(F)
7 The righteous person knows the rights[c] of the poor,(J)
but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.
8 Mockers inflame a city,(K)
but the wise turn away anger.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,(P)
all his officials will be wicked.
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.(R)
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom,(S)
but a youth left to himself[h]
is a disgrace to his mother.(T)
16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall.(U)
17 Discipline your son, and it will bring you peace of mind(V)
and give you delight.
19 A slave cannot be disciplined by words;
though he understands, he doesn’t respond.(Z)
21 A slave pampered from his youth
will become arrogant[j] later on.
27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,
and one whose way is upright
is detestable to the wicked.(AK)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 29:4 The Hb word for “contributions” usually refers to offerings in worship.
- Proverbs 29:5 Lit is smooth on
- Proverbs 29:7 Lit justice
- Proverbs 29:9 Lit rest
- Proverbs 29:10 Or person, and seek the life of the upright
- Proverbs 29:11 Lit spirit
- Proverbs 29:13 Lit oppressor meet
- Proverbs 29:15 Lit youth sent away
- Proverbs 29:18 Lit vision
- Proverbs 29:21 Hb obscure
- Proverbs 29:22 Lit a master of rage
- Proverbs 29:24 When a call for witnesses was made public, anyone with information who did not submit his testimony was under a curse.
- Proverbs 29:25 Lit raised high
Proverbs 29
Common English Bible
29 One who stays stubborn after many corrections
will be suddenly broken, beyond healing.
2 When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked dominate, the people moan.
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
but one who spends time with prostitutes destroys riches.
4 A king gives stability to the land by justice,
but one who imposes heavy taxes tears it down.
5 People who flatter their friends
spread out a net for their feet.
6 The wicked are snared by their own sin;[a]
the righteous sing and rejoice.
7 The righteous know the rights of the poor,
but the wicked don’t understand.
8 Mockers set a city on fire,
but the wise turn back anger.
9 When the wise make a legal charge against the foolish,
the fools shout, they laugh—there is no calm.
10 Murderous people hate the innocent,
and they seek the lives of the virtuous.
11 Fools show all their anger,
but the wise hold it back.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
those who serve him will be wicked.
13 The poor and their oppressors have a common bond—
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor honestly,
his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and correction lead to wisdom,
but children out of control shame their mothers.
16 When the wicked become numerous, so do crimes;
the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Instruct your children; they will give you peace of mind
and bring delight into your life.
18 When there’s no vision, the people get out of control,
but whoever obeys instruction is happy.
19 Servants aren’t disciplined by words;
they might understand, but they don’t respond.
20 Do you see people who are quick to speak?
There is more hope for fools than for them.
21 Pamper servants from a young age,
and later on there will be trouble.
22 Angry people stir up conflict;
hotheads cause much offense.
23 Pride lays people low,
but those of humble spirit gain honor.
24 Those who share plunder with thieves hate themselves;
even under oath, they don’t testify.
25 People are trapped by their fear of others;
those who trust the Lord are secure.
26 Many seek access to the ruler,
but justice comes from the Lord.
27 The unjust person is disgusting to the righteous;
the straight path is disgusting to the wicked.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 29:6 Tg, Syr; MT In the sin of an evil man is a snare
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Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible