He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³ He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,

but one who keeps company with harlots squanders his substance.

⁴ By justice a king gives stability to the land,

but one who exacts gifts ruins it.

⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet.

⁶ An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,

but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

⁷ A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;

a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

⁸ Scoffers set a city aflame,

but wise men turn away wrath.

⁹ If a wise man has an argument with a fool,

the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless,

and the wicked^[a] seek his life.

¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his anger,

but a wise man quietly holds it back.

¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood,

all his officials will be wicked.

¹³ The poor man and the oppressor meet together;

the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ If a king judges the poor with equity

his throne will be established for ever.

¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom,

but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases;

but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;

he will give delight to your heart.

¹⁸ Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint,

but blessed is he who keeps the law.

¹⁹ By mere words a servant is not disciplined,

for though he understands, he will not give heed.

²⁰ Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

²¹ He who pampers his servant from childhood,

will in the end find him his heir.^[b]

²² A man of wrath stirs up strife,

and a man given to anger causes much transgression.

²³ A man’s pride will bring him low,

but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

²⁴ The partner of a thief hates his own life;

he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.

²⁵ The fear of man lays a snare,

but he who trusts in the Lord is safe.

²⁶ Many seek the favor of a ruler,

but from the Lord a man gets justice.

²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,

but he whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

Footnotes

1. Proverbs 29:10 Cn: Heb upright
2. Proverbs 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain