Proverbs 29

1Whoever is often rebuked yet stays stiff-necked will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

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

3A person who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes wastes his wealth.

4By justice a king makes the land stand firm, but one who exacts contributions tears it down.

5A person who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.

6In the offense of an evil person there is a trap, but the righteous sing and rejoice.

7The righteous person knows the rights of the poor; the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

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

9If a wise person goes to court with a fool, there is raging and laughing, and no rest.

10Bloodthirsty people hate the blameless; as for the upright, they seek their life.

11A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it back and calms it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

18Where there is no vision, the people throw off restraint, but blessed is the one who keeps the law.

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

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

21Whoever pampers his servant from youth will have trouble from him in the end.

22An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many offenses.

23A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who is humble in spirit will gain honor.

24Whoever shares with a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse but says nothing.

25Fear of people sets a trap, but whoever trusts in Yahweh will be kept safe.

26Many seek an audience with a ruler, but justice for a person comes from Yahweh.

27The unjust person is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.