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Proverbs 29
1 The man often rebuked but stubborn still: suddenly, irretrievably, his fall will come.
2 When virtuous men are in power, the people are joyful, when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 The lover of Wisdom makes his father glad, but the patron of harlots fritters his wealth away.
4 A king gives a country stability by justice, an extortioner brings it to ruin.
5 The man who flatters his neighbour spreads a net for his feet.
6 Under the feet of the wicked man there is a snare, but the virtuous runs on rejoicing.
7 The virtuous man is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked knows no such concern.
8 Scoffers set cities in a ferment, but wise men moderate anger.
9 Let a wise man argue with a fool, be he angry or good-humoured he will not gain his end.
10 Men of blood hate the blameless man, but honest men cherish his life.
11 The fool comes out with all his angry feelings, but the wise man subdues and restrains them.
12 When a ruler listens to false reports, all his ministers will be scoundrels.
13 Poor man and usurer are found together, Yahweh gives light to the eyes of both.
14 The king who judges the poor with equity sees his throne set firm for ever.
15 The stick and the reprimand bestow wisdom, a child left to himself brings shame on his mother.
16 When the wicked are in power, sin multiplies, but the virtuous shall witness their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace of mind; he will delight your soul.
18 Where there is no vision the people get out of hand; blessed are they who keep the Precept.[*a]
19 Not by words is a slave corrected: even if he understands, he will take no notice.
20 You see some man too ready of speech? More hope for a fool than for him.
21 If a man’s slave is pampered from childhood, he will prove ungrateful in the end.
22 A bad-tempered man provokes disputes, a man prone to anger is a great cause of sin.
23 A man’s pride brings him humiliation, he who humbles himself will win honour.
24 Complicity with thieves and a wrong to oneself: to hear the curse[*b] and make no disclosure.
25 To be afraid of men is a snare, he who puts his trust in Yahweh is secure.
26 Many a man seeks a ruler’s favour, but the rights of each come from Yahweh.
27 Abhorrent to the virtuous is the sinful man, abhorrent to the wicked is the man of honour.