Proverbs Monthly
Advice on Life and Justice
29 After many rebukes, the stiff-necked man
will be broken incurably, without any warning.
2 As the righteous grow powerful,[a] people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, people groan.
3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but anyone who consorts with immoral women squanders his wealth.
4 A king brings stability to a land through justice,
but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.
5 A strong man who flatters his neighbor
is setting a trap where he walks.[b]
The Wicked and Righteous Contrasted
6 An evil man is trapped by transgression,
but the righteous person sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous person is concerned about the poor;
but the wicked don’t understand what they need to know.[c]
8 Scornful men enflame a city,
but the wise defuse anger.
9 When a wise man has a dispute with a fool,
the fool either rages or laughs without relief.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the innocent person,
but the upright show concern for his life.
12 When a ruler is listening to lies,
all of his officials tend to become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:[f]
the Lord gave them both eyes with which to see.[g]
14 When a king faithfully administers justice to the poor,
his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and rebuke bestow wisdom,
but an undisciplined child[h] brings shame to his mother.
16 As the wicked grow powerful,[i] transgression increases,
but the righteous will observe their downfall.
17 Correct your son and he will comfort you;
he will also delight your soul.
18 Without prophetic vision, people abandon restraint,
but those who obey the Law are happy.
Dangerous Behaviors
19 By mere words a servant will not be corrected;
even though he understands,
there will be no response.
20 Do you see a man who speaks hastily?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If you pamper a servant from his childhood,
later on he’ll become ungrateful.
22 An angry man stirs up arguments,
and a hot-tempered man causes many transgressions.
23 A person’s pride will bring about his downfall,
but the humble in spirit will gain honor.
24 A thief’s accomplice hates himself;
though testifying under oath,[j] he reveals nothing.
25 Fearing any human being is a trap,
but confiding in the Lord keeps anyone safe.
26 Many seek a ruler’s favor,[k]
but justice for a man comes from the Lord.
27 The unjust man is detestable to the righteous,
and whoever lives blamelessly is detestable to the wicked.
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