Proverbs 29
29
Use good sense
1If you keep being stubborn
after many warnings,
you will suddenly discover
you have gone too far.
2When justice rules a nation,
everyone is glad;
when injustice rules,
everyone groans.
3If you love wisdom
your parents will be glad,
but chasing after bad women
will cost you everything.
4An honest ruler
makes the nation strong;
a ruler who takes bribes
will bring it to ruin.
5Flattery is nothing less
than setting a trap.
6Your sins will catch you,
but everyone who lives right
will sing and celebrate.
7The wicked don't care
about the rights of the poor,
but good people do.
8Sneering at others is a spark
that sets a city on fire;
using good sense can put out
the flames of anger.
9Be wise and don't sue a fool.
You won't get satisfaction,
because all the fool will do
is sneer and shout.
10A murderer hates everyone
who is honest
and lives right.#29.10 and lives right: Or “and those who live right are friends of honest people”.
11Don't be a fool
and quickly lose your temper—
be sensible and patient.
12A ruler who listens to lies
will have corrupt officials.
13The poor and all who abuse them
must each depend on God
for light.
14Kings who are fair to the poor
will rule for ever.
15Correct your children,
and they will be wise;
children out of control
disgrace their mothers.
16Crime increases
when crooks are in power,
but law-abiding citizens
will see them fall.
17If you correct your children,
they will bring you peace
and happiness.
18Without guidance from God
law and order disappear,
but God blesses everyone
who obeys his Law.
19Even when servants are clever,
it takes more than words
to make them obey.
20There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who speaks
without thinking.
21Slaves you treat kindly
from their childhood
will cause you sorrow.#29.21 will…sorrow: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
22A person with a quick temper
stirs up arguments
and commits a lot of sins.
23Too much pride brings disgrace;
humility leads to honour.
24If you take part in a crime
you are your worst enemy,
because even under oath
you can't tell the truth.
25Don't fall into the trap
of being a coward—
trust the LORD,
and you will be safe.
26Many try to make friends
with a ruler,
but justice comes
from the LORD.
27Good people and criminals
can't stand each other.
Currently Selected:
Proverbs 29: CEVUK
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012
Proverbs 29
29
1 HE WHO, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed–and that without remedy.
2 When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.
3 Whoever loves skillful and godly Wisdom rejoices his father, but he who associates with harlots wastes his substance.
4 The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts and tribute overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his own feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 The [consistently] righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. [Job 29:16; 31:13; Ps. 41:1.]
8 Scoffers set a city afire [inflaming the minds of the people], but wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek [to save] his life. [Gen. 4:5, 8; I John 3:12.]
11 A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together–the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame.
16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall see the fall of the wicked.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.
18 Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]–blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he. [I Sam. 3:1; Amos 8:11, 12.]
19 A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not answer [the master who mistreats him].
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward.
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger commits and causes much transgression.
23 A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor. [Prov. 15:33; 18:12; Isa. 66:2; Dan. 4:30; Matt. 23:12; James 4:6, 10; I Pet. 5:5.]
24 Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life; he falls under the curse [pronounced upon him who knows who the thief is] but discloses nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.
26 Many crave and seek the ruler's favor, but the wise man [waits] for justice from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way [of the Lord] is an abomination to the wicked.
Currently Selected:
:
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation