Proverbs, 29

1. He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

1. He who resists correction will be broken suddenly and without remedy.

2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

2. When the virtuous rule, the people are happy, but they groan when the wicked are in power.

3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance.

3. He who loves wisdom makes his father happy, but whoever maintains prostitutes will lose his wealth.

4. The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

4. Through justice a king makes his country prosper; but the extortioner brings it to ruin.

5. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

5. The one who flatters his neighbor lays a snare at his feet.

6. In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

6. In the wicked man's sins lies a snare for himself, while the upright man runs on rejoicing.

7. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].

7. The virtuous man is concerned about the problems of the poor; the evildoer, however, understands nothing.

8. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath.

8. Mockers create disturbances in the city but the wise turn troubles away.

9. [If] a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, [there is] no rest.

9. When the wise man argues with the fool, whether he is annoyed or joking, he will get nowhere.

10. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

10. The violent hate the blameless man but the virtuous seek out his presence.

11. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards.

11. The fool gives free rein to his rage; while the wise man restrains it.

12. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

12. When a ruler listens to false reports, all his ministers will be scoundrels.

13. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

13. The poor man and usurer have something in common: both receive the light of day from God.

14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

14. The king who judges the poor with justice will affirm his throne forever.

15. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.

15. Both the stick and rebuke bring wisdom, while the spoilt child brings shame to his mother.

16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

16. When the wicked rule, sin abounds, but the virtuous shall witness their downfall.

17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

17. Correct your son and he will bring you rest; you will be happy in him.

18. Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.

18. Where prophets are lacking, the people get out of hand; happy is he who obeys the Law.

19. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

19. A slave is not corrected by words; even if he understands he will take no notice.

20. Seest thou a man [that is] hasty in his words? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

20. You see a man dying to speak? There is more hope for a fool.

21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become [his] son at the length.

21. If you spoil your slave from childhood, he will end up a rebel.

22. An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

22. The hot-tempered man provokes disputes, his anger multiplies his sins.

23. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

23. A man's pride results in his humiliation, but he who humbles himself will achieve honors.

24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.

24. He who shares with the thief harms himself; even you who kept silent when you should have denounced him.

25. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

25. To be afraid of men is a trap; but whoever trusts in Yahweh will be safe.

26. Many seek the ruler's favour; but [every] man's judgment [cometh] from the LORD.

26. Many seek a ruler's favor but each one's fate comes from God.

27. An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

27. The upright man detests the wicked and the evildoer hates the honest man.