Chapter 29

¹A person who is often rebuked but hardens their neck will suddenly be destroyed, without remedy.

²When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³A person who loves wisdom makes their father rejoice, but one who keeps company with prostitutes wastes their wealth.

⁴A king establishes the land by justice, but one who demands bribes tears it down.

⁵A person who flatters their neighbor spreads a net for their steps.

⁶An evil person is snared by their own transgression, but the righteous sing and rejoice.

⁷The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no understanding of such matters.

⁸Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.

⁹If a wise person goes to court with a fool, whether they rage or laugh, there is no rest.

¹⁰The bloodthirsty hate the upright, but the just seek their well-being.

¹¹A fool vents all their feelings, but the wise hold them back.

¹²If a ruler listens to lies, all their officials become wicked.

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

¹⁴If a king judges the poor with fairness, their throne will be established forever.

¹⁵The rod and reproof bring wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings shame to their mother.

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

¹⁷Discipline your child, and they will give you rest; they will bring delight to your soul.

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

¹⁹A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though they understand, they will not respond.

²⁰Do you see a person hasty in their words? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

²¹One who pampers their servant from youth will have them become like a child in the end.

²²An angry person stirs up strife, and one given to fury commits much transgression.

²³Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

²⁴One who shares with a thief hates their own life; they hear the curse but disclose nothing.

²⁵The fear of people brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

²⁶Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the Lord.

²⁷An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, and one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked. Proverbs 30 The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 30 – VKJV