Proverbs 29:1-25

Proverbs 29:1-25 The Message (MSG)

For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them. When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans. If you love wisdom, you’ll delight your parents, but you’ll destroy their trust if you run with prostitutes. A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste. A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he’s probably planning to take advantage of you. Evil people fall into their own traps; good people run the other way, glad to escape. The good-hearted understand what it’s like to be poor; the hardhearted haven’t the faintest idea. A gang of cynics can upset a whole city; a group of sages can calm everyone down. A sage trying to work things out with a fool gets only scorn and sarcasm for his trouble. Murderers hate honest people; moral folks encourage them. A fool lets it all hang out; a sage quietly mulls it over. When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil. The poor and their abusers have at least something in common: they can both see—their sight, GOD’s gift! Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly. Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents. When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild, but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse. Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did— they’ll turn out delightful to live with. If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. It takes more than talk to keep workers in line; mere words go in one ear and out the other. Observe the people who always talk before they think— even simpletons are better off than they are. If you let people treat you like a doormat, you’ll be quite forgotten in the end. Angry people stir up a lot of discord; the intemperate stir up trouble. Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors. Befriend an outlaw and become an enemy to yourself. When the victims cry out, you’ll be included in their curses if you’re a coward to their cause in court. The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in GOD protects you from that.

Proverbs 29:1-25 King James Version (KJV)

He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: But he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. The king by judgment establisheth the land: But he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. A man that flattereth his neighbour Spreadeth a net for his feet. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: But the righteous doth sing and rejoice. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: But the wicked regardeth not to know it. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: But wise men turn away wrath. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, Whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: But the just seek his soul. A fool uttereth all his mind: But a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. If a ruler hearken to lies, All his servants are wicked. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: The LORD lighteneth both their eyes. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever. The rod and reproof give wisdom: But a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: But the righteous shall see their fall. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; Yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he. A servant will not be corrected by words: For though he understand he will not answer. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become his son at the length. An angry man stirreth up strife, And a furious man aboundeth in transgression. A man's pride shall bring him low: But honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: He heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Proverbs 29:1-25 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)

A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern. Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright are concerned for his life. A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked. The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul. Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. He who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be a son. An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.

Proverbs 29:1-25 New Century Version (NCV)

Whoever is stubborn after being corrected many times will suddenly be hurt beyond cure. When good people do well, everyone is happy, but when evil people rule, everyone groans. Those who love wisdom make their parents happy, but friends of prostitutes waste their money. If a king is fair, he makes his country strong, but if he takes gifts dishonestly, he tears his country down. Those who give false praise to their neighbors are setting a trap for them. Evil people are trapped by their own sin, but good people can sing and be happy. Good people care about justice for the poor, but the wicked are not concerned. People who make fun of wisdom cause trouble in a city, but wise people calm anger down. When a wise person takes a foolish person to court, the fool only shouts or laughs, and there is no peace. Murderers hate an honest person and try to kill those who do right. Foolish people lose their tempers, but wise people control theirs. If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his officers will become wicked. The poor person and the cruel person are alike in that the LORD gave eyes to both of them. If a king judges poor people fairly, his government will continue forever. Correction and punishment make children wise, but those left alone will disgrace their mother. When there are many wicked people, there is much sin, but those who do right will see them destroyed. Correct your children, and you will be proud; they will give you satisfaction. Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy. Words alone cannot correct a servant, because even if they understand, they won’t respond. Do you see people who speak too quickly? There is more hope for a foolish person than for them. If you spoil your servants when they are young, they will bring you grief later on. An angry person causes trouble; a person with a quick temper sins a lot. Pride will ruin people, but those who are humble will be honored. Partners of thieves are their own worst enemies. If they have to testify in court, they are afraid to say anything. Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the LORD, you will be safe.

Proverbs 29:1-25 American Standard Version (ASV)

He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance. The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it. A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice. The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know it. Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath. If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest. The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life. A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it. If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked. The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever. The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother. When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall. Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he. A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last. An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression. A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing. The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.

Proverbs 29:1-25 New International Version (NIV)

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down. Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet. Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever. A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond. Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent. An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Proverbs 29:1-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end. An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

Proverbs 29:1-25 Amplified Bible (AMP)

He who hardens his neck and refuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized), Will suddenly be broken beyond repair. When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice; But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh. A man who loves [skillful and godly] wisdom makes his father joyful, But he who associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth. The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor [with smooth words intending to do harm] Is spreading a net for his own feet. By his wicked plan an evil man is trapped, But the righteous man sings and rejoices [for his plan brings good things to him]. The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor, But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble], But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment]. If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man, The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement). The bloodthirsty hate the blameless [because of his integrity], But the upright are concerned for his life. A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger, But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back. If a ruler pays attention to lies [and encourages corruption], All his officials will become wicked. The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. If a king faithfully and truthfully judges the poor, His throne shall be established forever. The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, But the righteous will see the downfall of the wicked. Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; Yes, he will delight your soul. Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. A servant will not be corrected by words alone; For though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention]. Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]? There is more hope for a [thickheaded] fool than for him. He who pampers his slave from childhood Will find him to be a son in the end. An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered and undisciplined man commits many transgressions. A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down, But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor. Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the curse [when swearing an oath to testify], but discloses nothing [and commits perjury by omission]. The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the LORD will be exalted and safe.

Proverbs 29:1-25 New Living Translation (NLT)

Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy. The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all. Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger. If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction. The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them. Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked. The poor and the oppressor have this in common— the LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever. To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall. Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded. There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel. An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify. Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.

Proverbs 29:1-25 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Stubborn people who repeatedly refuse to accept correction will suddenly be broken and never recover. Everyone rejoices when the lovers of God flourish, but the people groan when the wicked rise to power. When you love wisdom, your father is overjoyed. But when you associate with prostitutes, you waste your wealth in exchange for disgrace. A godly leader who values justice is a great strength and example to the people. But the one who sells his influence for money tears down what is right. Flattery can often be used as a trap to hide ulterior motives and take advantage of you. The wicked always have a trap laid for others, but the lovers of God escape as they sing and shout in joyous triumph! God’s righteous people will pour themselves out for the poor, but the ungodly make no attempt to understand or help the needy. Arrogant cynics love to pick fights, but the humble and wise love to pursue peace. There’s no use arguing with a fool, for his ranting and raving prevent you from making a case and settling the argument in a calm way. Violent men hate those with integrity, but the lovers of God esteem those who are holy. You can recognize fools by the way they give full vent to their rage and let their words fly! But the wise bite their tongues and hold back all they could say. When leaders listen to false accusations, their associates become scoundrels. Poor people and their oppressors have only one thing in common— God made them both. The best insurance for a leader’s longevity is to demonstrate justice for the poor. Experiencing many corrections and rebukes will make you wise. But if left to your own ways, you’ll bring disgrace to your parents. When the wicked are in power, lawlessness abounds. But the patient lovers of God will one day watch in triumph as their stronghold topples! Correct your child and one day you’ll find he has changed and will bring you great delight. When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray. But when you follow the revelation of the Word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul. A stubborn servant can’t be corrected by words alone. For even if he understands, he pays no attention to you. There’s only one kind of person who is worse than a fool: the impetuous one who speaks without thinking first. If you pamper your servants, don’t be surprised when they expect to be treated as sons. The source of strife is found in an angry heart, for sin surrounds the life of a furious man. Lift yourself up with pride and you will soon be brought low, but a meek and humble spirit will add to your honor. You are your own worst enemy when you partner with a thief, for a curse of guilt will come upon you when you fail to report a crime. Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place.

Proverbs 29:1-25 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down. A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright. A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked. The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever. The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.