Proverbs 29

New King James Version

² When the righteous^[a]are in authority, the^(B)people rejoice;
But when a wickedmanrules,^(C)the people groan.

³ Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
But a companion of harlots wasteshiswealth.

⁴ The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

⁵ A man who^(D)flatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet.

⁶ By transgression an evil man is snared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.

⁷ The righteous^(E)considers the cause of the poor,
Butthe wicked does not understandsuchknowledge.

⁸ Scoffers^(F)set a city aflame,
But wisementurn away wrath.

⁹ Ifa wise man contends with a foolish man,
^(G)Whetherthe foolrages or laughs,there isno peace.

^10 (H)The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
But the upright seek his^[b]well-being.

¹¹ A fool vents all his^(I)feelings,^[c]
But a wisemanholds them back.

¹² If a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servantsbecomewicked.

¹³ The poormanand the oppressor have this in common:
^(J)TheLordgives light to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ The king who judges the^(K)poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.

¹⁵ The rod and rebuke give^(L)wisdom,
But a child leftto himselfbrings shame to his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their^(M)fall.

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

^18 (N)Wherethere isno^[d]revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But^(O)happyishe who keeps the law.

¹⁹ A servant will not be corrected by mere words;
For though he understands, he will not respond.

²⁰ Do you see a man hasty in his words?
^(P)There ismore hope for a fool than for him.

²¹ He who pampers his servant from childhood
Will have him as a son in the end.

^22 (Q)An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.

^23 (R)A man’s pride will bring him low,
But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

²⁴ Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
^(S)He^[e]swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.

^25 (T)The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in theLordshall be^[f]safe.

^26 (U)Many seek the ruler’s^[g]favor,
But justice for mancomesfrom theLord.

²⁷ An unjust manisan abomination to the righteous,
Andhe who isupright in the wayisan abomination to the wicked.