Proverbs 29:8-24

English Standard Version

^8 (A)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 ^(B)no quiet.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men ^(C)hate one who is blameless
    and seek the life of the upright.^[a]
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 ^(D)meet together;
    the Lord ^(E)gives light to the eyes of both.
¹⁴ If a king ^(F)faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will ^(G)be established forever.
^15 (H)The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself ^(I)brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but ^(J)the righteous will look upon their downfall.
^17 (K)Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
¹⁸ Where ^(L)there is no prophetic vision the people ^(M)cast off restraint,^[b]
    but blessed is he who ^(N)keeps the law.
¹⁹ By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
    for though he understands, he will not respond.
²⁰ Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    ^(O)There is more hope for a fool than for him.
²¹ Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
    will in the end find him his heir.^[c]
22 (P)A man of wrath stirs up strife,
    and one given to anger causes much transgression.
^23 (Q)One's pride will bring him low,
    ^(R)but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
²⁴ The partner of a thief ^(S)hates his own life;
    ^(T)he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.