Proverbs 29

1One oft reproved may become stiffnecked—But then will be suddenly broken beyond repair.

2When the righteous become great the people rejoice,But when the wicked dominate the people groan.

3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,But he who keeps company with prostitutes will lose his wealth.

4By justice a king sustains the land,But a fraudulent man tears it down.

5A man who flatters his fellowSpreads a net for his feet.

6An evil man’s offenses are a trap for himself,But a righteous person sings out joyously.

7The righteous are concerned with the cause of the wretched;The wicked cannot understand such concern.

8Scoffers inflame a city,But the wise allay anger.

9When someone who is wise enters into litigation with a foolThere is ranting and ridicule, but no satisfaction.

10Those who are bloodthirsty detest the blameless,But the upright seek them out.

11A dullard gives full vent to rage,But a wise person calms it down.

12A ruler who listens to lies—All his ministers will be wicked.

13The poor and the fraudulent meet; GOD gives luster to the eyes of both.

14A king who judges the wretched honestly—His throne will be established forever.

15Rod and reproof produce wisdom,But a youth out of control is a disgrace to his mother.

16When the wicked increase, offenses increase,But the righteous will see their downfall.

17Discipline your son and he will give you peace;He will gratify you with dainties.

18For lack of vision a people lose restraint,But happy is he who heeds instruction.

19A slave cannot be disciplined by words;Though he may comprehend, he does not respond.

20If you see a man hasty in speech,There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21A slave pampered from youthWill come to a bad end.

22An angry man provokes a quarrel;A hothead commits many offenses.

23Pride of mortals will bring humiliation,But one who is humble will obtain honor.

24He who shares with a thief is his own enemy;He hears the imprecation and does not tell.

25A person’s fears become a trap,But one who trusts in GOD shall be safeguarded.

26Many seek audience with a ruler,But it is from GOD that a [wronged] party gets justice.

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