Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29

1HE WHO, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed–and that without remedy.

2When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.

3Whoever loves skillful and godly Wisdom rejoices his father, but he who associates with harlots wastes his substance.

4The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts and tribute overthrows it.

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

6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous man sings and rejoices.

7The [consistently] righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. [Job 29:16; 31:13; Ps. 41:1.]

8Scoffers set a city afire [inflaming the minds of the people], but wise men turn away wrath.

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

10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek [to save] his life. [Gen. 4:5, 8; I John 3:12.]

11A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.

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

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

14The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.

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

16When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall see the fall of the wicked.

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

18Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]–blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he. [I Sam. 3:1; Amos 8:11, 12.]

19A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not answer [the master who mistreats him].

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

21He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward.

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

23A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor. [Prov. 15:33; 18:12; Isa. 66:2; Dan. 4:30; Matt. 23:12; James 4:6, 10; I Pet. 5:5.]

24Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life; he falls under the curse [pronounced upon him who knows who the thief is] but discloses nothing.

25The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.

26Many crave and seek the ruler's favor, but the wise man [waits] for justice from the Lord.

27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way [of the Lord] is an abomination to the wicked.

1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Published by: The Lockman Foundation