Proverbs 29

1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

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

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

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.

4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.

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

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

6 An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

7 The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.

8 Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.

8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.

9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

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

12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.

13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.

14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

16 When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

16 When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

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

17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

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

18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.

19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.

19 A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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

21 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.

21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.

22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

23 A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.

24 A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath but does not testify.

24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.

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

27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.