PROVERBS 29  z He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be  a broken  b beyond healing.

2[^] When  c the righteous increase, the people rejoice,

but when  d the wicked rule, the people groan.

3[†] He who  e loves wisdom makes his father glad,

but  f a companion of prostitutes  g squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king  h builds up the land,

but he who exacts gifts [1] tears it down.

5[†]  i A man who flatters his neighbor

spreads  j a net for his feet.

6 An evil man is  k ensnared in his transgression,

but a righteous man  l sings and rejoices.

7[†] A righteous man  m knows the rights of the poor;

a wicked man does not  n understand such knowledge.

8[†]  o Scoffers set a city aflame,

but the wise turn away wrath.

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

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

10 Bloodthirsty men  q hate one who is blameless

and seek the life of the upright. [2]

11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,

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  r meet together;

the LORD  s gives light to the eyes of both.

14 If a king  t faithfully judges the poor,

his throne will  u be established forever.

15[†]  v The rod and reproof give wisdom,

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

16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,

but  x the righteous will look upon their downfall.

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

he will give delight to your heart.

18 Where  z there is no prophetic vision the people  a cast off restraint, [3]

but blessed is he who  b keeps the law.

19[†] By mere words a servant is not disciplined,

for though he understands, he will not respond.

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

 c There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood

will in the end find him his heir. [4]

22  d A man of wrath stirs up strife,

and one given to anger causes much transgression.

23[†]  e One’s pride will bring him low,

 f but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

24[†] The partner of a thief  g hates his own life;

 h he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.

25[^][†]  i The fear of man lays a snare,

but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.

26 Many  j seek the face of a ruler,

but it is from the LORD that a man  k gets justice.

27[†]  l An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,

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