International Standard Version
Proverbs 29
1 After many rebukes, the stiff-necked man will be broken incurably, without any warning.
2 As the righteous grow powerful, a people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, people groan.
3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but anyone who consorts with immoral women squanders his wealth.
4 A king brings stability to a land through justice, but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.
5 A strong man who flatters his neighbor is setting a trap where he walks. b
6 An evil man is trapped by transgression, but the righteous person sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous person is concerned about the poor; but the wicked don’t understand what they need to know. c
8 Scornful men enflame a city, but the wise defuse anger.
9 When a wise man has a dispute with a fool, the fool either rages or laughs without relief.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate the innocent person, but the upright show concern for his life.
11 The fool vents all his feelings, d but the wise person keeps them to himself. e
12 When a ruler is listening to lies, all of his officials tend to become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: f the LORD gave them both eyes with which to see. g
14 When a king faithfully administers justice to the poor, his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and rebuke bestow wisdom, but an undisciplined child h brings shame to his mother.
16 As the wicked grow powerful, i transgression increases, but the righteous will observe their downfall.
17 Correct your son and he will comfort you; he will also delight your soul.
18 Without prophetic vision, people abandon restraint, but those who obey the Law are happy.
19 By mere words a servant will not be corrected; even though he understands, there will be no response.
20 Do you see a man who speaks hastily? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If you pamper a servant from his childhood, later on he’ll become ungrateful.
22 An angry man stirs up arguments, and a hot-tempered man causes many transgressions.
23 A person’s pride will bring about his downfall, but the humble in spirit will gain honor.
24 A thief’s accomplice hates himself; though testifying under oath, j he reveals nothing.
25 Fearing any human being is a trap, but confiding in the LORD keeps anyone safe.
26 Many seek a ruler’s favor, k but justice for a man comes from the LORD.
27 The unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and whoever lives blamelessly is detestable to the wicked.