29:1 HE WHO, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed--and that without remedy. |
29:2 When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan {and} sigh. |
29:3 Whoever loves skillful {and} godly Wisdom rejoices his father, but he who associates with harlots wastes his substance. |
29:4 The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts {and} tribute overthrows it. |
29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his own feet. |
29:6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous man sings and rejoices. |
29:7 The [consistently] righteous man knows {and} cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. |
29:8 Scoffers set a city afire [inflaming the minds of the people], but wise men turn away wrath. |
29:9 If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest. |
29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for {and} seek [to save] his life. |
29:11 A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it. |
29:12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked. |
29:13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together--the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. |
29:14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously. |
29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame. |
29:16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall see the fall of the wicked. |
29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart. |
29:18 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. |
29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not answer [the master who mistreats him]. |
29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him. |
29:21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward. |
29:22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger commits {and} causes much transgression. |
29:23 A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
29:24 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. |
29:25 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. |
29:26 Many crave {and} seek the ruler's favor, but the wise man [waits] for justice from the Lord. |
29:27 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. |