Proverbs 29:2-18

New King James Version

² When the righteous ^[a]are in authority, the ^(A)people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, ^(B)the people groan.

³ Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

⁴ The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

⁵ A man who ^(C)flatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet.

⁶ By transgression an evil man is snared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.

⁷ The righteous ^(D)considers the cause of the poor,
But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

⁸ Scoffers ^(E)set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away wrath.

⁹ If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
^(F)Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

^10 (G)The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
But the upright seek his ^[b]well-being.

¹¹ A fool vents all his ^(H)feelings,^[c]
But a wise man holds them back.

¹² If a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servants become wicked.

¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
^(I)The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ The king who judges the ^(J)poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.

¹⁵ The rod and rebuke give ^(K)wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their ^(L)fall.

¹⁷ Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.

^18 (M)Where there is no ^[d]revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But ^(N)happy is he who keeps the law.