Proverbs 29

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

29 One who is often reproved, yet remains stubborn,
    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.^(A)
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice,
    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.^(B)
3 A child who loves wisdom makes a parent glad,
    but a companion of prostitutes destroys wealth.^(C)
4 By justice a king gives stability to the land,
    but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.
⁵ Whoever flatters a neighbor
    is spreading a net for the neighbor’s feet.
⁶ In the transgression of the evil there is a snare,
    but the righteous sing and rejoice.
⁷ The righteous know the rights of the poor;
    the wicked have no such understanding.^(D)
8 Scoffers set a city aflame,
    but the wise turn away wrath.^(E)
9 If the wise go to law with fools,
    there is ranting and ridicule without relief.
¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
    and they seek the life of the upright.^(F)
11 A fool gives full vent to anger,
    but the wise quietly holds it back.^(G)
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.
¹³ The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
    the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.^(H)
14 If a king judges the poor with equity,
    his throne will be established forever.^(I)
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.^(J)
16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases,
    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.^(K)
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you rest;
    they will give delight to your heart.^(L)
18 Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint,
    but happy are those who keep the law.^(M)
19 By mere words slaves are not disciplined,
    for though they understand, they will not give heed.
²⁰ Do you see someone who is hasty in speech?
    There is more hope for a fool than for anyone like that.^(N)
21 A slave pampered from childhood
    will come to a bad end.^[a]
22 One given to anger stirs up strife,
    and the hothead causes much transgression.^(O)
23 A person’s pride will bring humiliation,
    but one who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.^(P)
24 To be a partner of a thief is to hate one’s own life;
    one hears the victim’s curse but discloses nothing.^[b](Q)
25 The fear of others^[c] lays a snare,
    but one who trusts in the Lord is secure.^(R)
26 Many seek the favor of a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.^(S)
27 The unjust are an abomination to the righteous,
    but the upright are an abomination to the wicked.