Proverbs 29:2-18

Proverbs 29:2-18 The Message (MSG)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 New Century Version (NCV)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 American Standard Version (ASV)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 New International Version (NIV)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 New King James Version (NKJV)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 Amplified Bible (AMP)

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. [Job 29:16; 31:13; Ps 41:1] 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. [Gen 4:5, 8; 1 John 3:12] 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. [Prov 22:2] 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]. [1 Sam 3:1; Amos 8:11, 12]

Proverbs 29:2-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 The Passion Translation (TPT)

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.

Proverbs 29:2-18 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)

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.