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

⁵ A man who flatters^[b] his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.^(G)

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

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.

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

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

¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his anger,^[f](N)
but a wise man 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:^[g]
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^[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.

¹⁸ Without revelation^[i](W) people run wild,^(X)
but one who listens to instruction will be happy.^(Y)

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

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

²¹ A slave pampered from his youth
will become arrogant^[j] later on.

²² An angry man stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered man^[k] 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.^[l](AF)

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

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

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