Proverbs Monthly

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 person who demands “contributions”^[a]
demolishes it.^(F)

⁵ A person who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.^(G)

⁶ An evil person is caught by sin,^(H)
but the righteous one sings and rejoices.^(I)

⁷ The righteous person knows the rights^[b] 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.

⁹ If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.^[c](L)

¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person,^(M)
but the upright care about him.^[d]

¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his anger,^[e](N)
but a wise person holds it in check.^(O)

¹² If a ruler listens to lies,^(P)
all his officials will be wicked.

¹³ The poor and the oppressor have this in common:^[f]
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.^(Q)

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^[g]
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 child,^(V) and it will bring you peace of mind
and give you delight.

¹⁸ Without revelation^[h](W) people run wild,^(X)
but one who follows divine instruction will be happy.^(Y)

¹⁹ A servant cannot be disciplined by words;
though he understands, he doesn’t respond.^(Z)

²⁰ Do you see someone who speaks too soon?^(AA)
There is more hope for a fool than for him.^(AB)

²¹ A servant pampered from his youth
will become arrogant^[i] later on.

²² An angry person stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered one^[j] increases rebellion.^(AC)

²³ A person’s pride will humble him,^(AD)
but a humble spirit will gain honor.^(AE)

²⁴ To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;
he hears the curse but will not testify.^(AF)

²⁵ The fear of mankind is a snare,^(AG)
but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.^[k](AH)

²⁶ Many desire a ruler’s favor,^(AI)
but a person receives justice from the Lord.^(AJ)

²⁷ An unjust person is detestable to the righteous,
and one whose way is upright
is detestable to the wicked.^(AK)