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
International Standard Version
Advice on Life and Justice
29 After many rebukes, the stiff-necked man
will be broken incurably, without any warning.
2 As the righteous grow powerful,[a] people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, people groan.
3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but anyone who consorts with immoral women squanders his wealth.
4 A king brings stability to a land through justice,
but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.
5 A strong man who flatters his neighbor
is setting a trap where he walks.[b]
The Wicked and Righteous Contrasted
6 An evil man is trapped by transgression,
but the righteous person sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous person is concerned about the poor;
but the wicked don’t understand what they need to know.[c]
8 Scornful men enflame a city,
but the wise defuse anger.
9 When a wise man has a dispute with a fool,
the fool either rages or laughs without relief.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the innocent person,
but the upright show concern for his life.
12 When a ruler is listening to lies,
all of his officials tend to become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:[f]
the Lord gave them both eyes with which to see.[g]
14 When a king faithfully administers justice to the poor,
his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and rebuke bestow wisdom,
but an undisciplined child[h] brings shame to his mother.
16 As the wicked grow powerful,[i] transgression increases,
but the righteous will observe their downfall.
17 Correct your son and he will comfort you;
he will also delight your soul.
18 Without prophetic vision, people abandon restraint,
but those who obey the Law are happy.
Dangerous Behaviors
19 By mere words a servant will not be corrected;
even though he understands,
there will be no response.
20 Do you see a man who speaks hastily?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If you pamper a servant from his childhood,
later on he’ll become ungrateful.
22 An angry man stirs up arguments,
and a hot-tempered man causes many transgressions.
23 A person’s pride will bring about his downfall,
but the humble in spirit will gain honor.
24 A thief’s accomplice hates himself;
though testifying under oath,[j] he reveals nothing.
25 Fearing any human being is a trap,
but confiding in the Lord keeps anyone safe.
26 Many seek a ruler’s favor,[k]
but justice for a man comes from the Lord.
27 The unjust man is detestable to the righteous,
and whoever lives blamelessly is detestable to the wicked.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 29:2 The Heb. lacks powerful
- Proverbs 29:5 Lit. trap for his footsteps
- Proverbs 29:7 Lit. understand knowledge
- Proverbs 29:11 Lit. spirit
- Proverbs 29:11 The Heb. lacks to himself
- Proverbs 29:13 Lit. oppressor meet together
- Proverbs 29:13 Lit. Lord lights the eyes of both
- Proverbs 29:15 Lit. but a child left alone
- Proverbs 29:16 The Heb. lacks powerful
- Proverbs 29:24 Lit. though he hears the oath
- Proverbs 29:26 Lit. face
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