Proverbs 29 - Modern English Version

¹ He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.

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 he who keeps company with prostitutes squanders his wealth.

⁴ The king by justice establishes the land, but a man of bribes overthrows it.

⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

⁶ An evil man is ensnared by his sin, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

⁷ The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked do not understand such knowledge.

⁸ Mockers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

⁹ If a wise man contends with a fool, the fool rages and laughs, and there is no rest.

¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity, and the life of the upright.

¹¹ A fool utters all his anger, but a wise man restrains it.

¹² If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.

¹³ The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ If a king truthfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.

¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases, but the righteous will see their downfall.

¹⁷ Correct your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul.

¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people perish, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

¹⁹ A servant will not be corrected by words, for though he understands, he will not respond.

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 youth will have him as his son in the end.

²² An angry man stirs up strife, and a temperamental man abounds in transgression.

²³ The pride of man will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will attain honor.

²⁴ He who is a partner with a thief hates his own soul; he vows to tell the truth, but discloses nothing.

²⁵ The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be safe.

²⁶ Many seek the favor of a ruler, but justice for man comes from the Lord.

²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but he whose way is upright is an abomination to the wicked.