Proverbs 29:1–27

¹ A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. ² When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. ³ A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. ⁴ By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. ⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. ⁶ An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices. ⁷ The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns. ⁸ Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. ⁹ If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. ¹⁰ Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. ¹¹ A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. ¹² If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. ¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. ¹⁴ A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever. ¹⁵ A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. ¹⁶ When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. ¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. ¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. ¹⁹ A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. ²⁰ Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. ²¹ A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end. ²² An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. ²³ A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. ²⁴ A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify. ²⁵ The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. ²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. ²⁷ An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.