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Advice on Life and Justice

29 After many rebukes, the stiff-necked man
will be broken incurably, without any warning.

As the righteous grow powerful,[a] people rejoice;
    but when the wicked rule, people groan.

The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
    but anyone who consorts with immoral women squanders his wealth.

A king brings stability to a land through justice,
    but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.

A strong man who flatters his neighbor
    is setting a trap where he walks.[b]

The Wicked and Righteous Contrasted

An evil man is trapped by transgression,
    but the righteous person sings and rejoices.
The righteous person is concerned about the poor;
    but the wicked don’t understand what they need to know.[c]
Scornful men enflame a city,
    but the wise defuse anger.
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.

Dangerous Behaviors

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.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:2 The Heb. lacks powerful
  2. Proverbs 29:5 Lit. trap for his footsteps
  3. Proverbs 29:7 Lit. understand knowledge
  4. Proverbs 29:11 Lit. spirit
  5. Proverbs 29:11 The Heb. lacks to himself
  6. Proverbs 29:13 Lit. oppressor meet together
  7. Proverbs 29:13 Lit. Lord lights the eyes of both
  8. Proverbs 29:15 Lit. but a child left alone
  9. Proverbs 29:16 The Heb. lacks powerful
  10. Proverbs 29:24 Lit. though he hears the oath
  11. Proverbs 29:26 Lit. face