Don’t Be Stubborn

¹Stubborn people who repeatedly refuse to accept correction

will suddenly be broken and never recover.

²Everyone rejoices when the lovers of God flourish,

but the people groan when the wicked rise to power.

³When you love wisdom, your father is overjoyed.

But when you associate with prostitutes,

you waste your wealth in exchange for disgrace.

⁴A godly leader who values justice

is a great strength and example to the people.

But the one who sells his influence for money

tears down what is right.

⁵Flattery can often be used as a trap to hide ulterior motives

and take advantage of you.

⁶The wicked always have a trap laid for others,

but the lovers of God escape as they sing and shout

in joyous triumph!

⁷God’s righteous people will pour themselves out for the poor,[#29:7 The Hebrew text implies standing up for the legal rights of the poor.]

but the ungodly make no attempt to understand or help the needy.

You Can’t Argue with a Fool

⁸Arrogant cynics love to pick fights,

but the humble and wise love to pursue peace.

⁹There’s no use arguing with a fool,[#29:9 The Hebrew implies an argument in a court of law.]

for his ranting and raving prevent you from making a case

and settling the argument in a calm way.

¹⁰Violent men hate those with integrity,

but the lovers of God esteem those who are holy.

¹¹You can recognize fools by the way

they give full vent to their rage

and let their words fly!

But the wise bite their tongues and hold back all they could say.

¹²When leaders listen to false accusations,

their associates become scoundrels.

¹³Poor people and their oppressors

have only one thing in common—

God made them both.

¹⁴The best insurance for a leader’s longevity

is to demonstrate justice for the poor.

¹⁵Experiencing many corrections and rebukes will make you wise.

But if left to your own ways, you’ll bring disgrace to your parents.

¹⁶When the wicked are in power, lawlessness abounds.

But the patient lovers of God will one day watch in triumph

as their stronghold topples!

¹⁷Correct your child and one day you’ll find he has changed

and will bring you great delight.

¹⁸When there is no clear prophetic vision,[#29:18 The Hebrew word used here can refer to a “vision of the night,” “dream,” “oracle,” or “revelation.” The Septuagint reads “where there is no prophetic seer [or interpreter].”]

people quickly wander astray.

But when you follow the revelation of the Word,

heaven’s bliss fills your soul.

¹⁹A stubborn servant can’t be corrected by words alone.

For even if he understands, he pays no attention to you.

²⁰There’s only one kind of person who is worse than a fool:

the impetuous one who speaks without thinking first.

²¹If you pamper your servants,

don’t be surprised when they expect to be treated as sons.

²²The source of strife is found in an angry heart,

for sin surrounds the life of a furious man.

²³Lift yourself up with pride and you will soon be brought low,[#29:23 Or “to depression.”]

but a meek and humble spirit will add to your honor.

²⁴You are your own worst enemy when you partner with a thief,

for a curse of guilt will come upon you

when you fail to report a crime.

²⁵Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back.

But when you place your confidence in the Lord,

you will be seated in the high place.

²⁶Everyone curries favor with leaders.

But God is the judge, and justice comes from him.

²⁷The wicked hate those who live a godly life,

but the righteous hate injustice wherever it’s found.