Proverbs 29

Revised Standard Version

29 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
³ He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but one who keeps company with harlots squanders his substance.
⁴ By justice a king gives stability to the land,
    but one who exacts gifts ruins it.
⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor
    spreads a net for his feet.
⁶ An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
    but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
⁷ A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
    a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
⁸ Scoffers set a city aflame,
    but wise men turn away wrath.
⁹ If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless,
    and the wicked^[a] seek his life.
¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his anger,
    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 meet together;
    the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
¹⁴ If a king judges the poor with equity
    his throne will be established for ever.
¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases;
    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
¹⁸ Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint,
    but blessed is he who keeps the law.
¹⁹ By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
    for though he understands, he will not give heed.
²⁰ Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    There is more hope for a fool than for him.
²¹ He who pampers his servant from childhood,
    will in the end find him his heir.^[b]
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife,
    and a man given to anger causes much transgression.
²³ A man’s pride will bring him low,
    but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
²⁴ The partner of a thief hates his own life;
    he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
²⁵ The fear of man lays a snare,
    but he who trusts in the Lord is safe.
²⁶ Many seek the favor of a ruler,
    but from the Lord a man gets justice.
²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
    but he whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.