Proverbs 29

¹He who is often reproved , yet stiffens his neck , will suddenly be broken beyond healing .

²When the righteous increase , the people rejoice , but when the wicked rule , the people groan .

³He who loves wisdom makes his father glad , but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth .

⁴By justice a king builds up the land , but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

⁵A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet .

⁶An evil man is ensnared in his transgression , but a righteous sings and rejoices .

⁷A righteous man knows the rights of the poor ; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge .

⁸Scoffers set a city aflame , but the wise turn away wrath .

⁹If a wise man has an argument with a fool , the fool only rages and laughs , and there is no quiet .

¹⁰Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright .

¹¹A fool gives full vent to his spirit , but a wise man quietly holds it back .

¹²If a ruler listens to falsehood , all his officials will be wicked .

¹³The poor man and the oppressor meet together ; the Lord gives light to the eyes of both .

¹⁴If a king faithfully judges the poor , his throne will be established forever .

¹⁵The rod and reproof give wisdom , but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother .

¹⁶When the wicked increase , transgression increases , but the righteous will look upon their downfall .

¹⁷Discipline your son , and he will give you rest ; he will give delight to your heart .

¹⁸Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint , but blessed is he who keeps the law .

¹⁹By mere words a servant is not disciplined , for though he understands , he will not respond .

²⁰Do you see a man who is hasty in his words ? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

²¹Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir .

²²A man of wrath stirs up strife , and one given to anger causes much transgression .

²³One’s pride will bring him low , but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor .

²⁴The partner of a thief hates his own life ; he hears the curse , but discloses nothing .

²⁵The fear of man lays a snare , but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe .

²⁶Many seek the face of a ruler , but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice .

²⁷An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous , but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked .