Proverbs 29:4-9
Proverbs 29:4-9 The Message (MSG)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 King James Version (KJV)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 New Century Version (NCV)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 American Standard Version (ASV)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 New International Version (NIV)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 New King James Version (NKJV)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
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).
Proverbs 29:4-9 New Living Translation (NLT)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 The Passion Translation (TPT)
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.
Proverbs 29:4-9 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
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.
