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Proverbs chapter 29

English Standard Version

1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. 2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. 7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. 8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. 9If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. 10Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright. 11A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. 12If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked. 13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. 16When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. 18Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. 19By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. 20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. 22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. 23 One 's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. 24The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. 25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. 26Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
New International Version

1Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
5Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.
6Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
8Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
12If a ruler listens to lies, all his 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, his throne will be established forever.
15A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
16When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
18Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
19Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.
20Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
22An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
24The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.
25Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
26Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice. 27The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
New American Standard Bible

1A person often rebuked who becomes obstinate Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. 2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked person rules, people groan. 3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth. 4The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a person who takes bribes ruins it. 5A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. 6By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. 7The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor; The wicked does not understand such concern. 8Arrogant people inflame a city, But wise people turn away anger. 9When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10People of bloodshed hate the blameless person, But the upright are concerned for his life. 11A fool always loses his temper, But a wise person holds it back. 12If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked. 13The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 15The rod and a rebuke give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 16When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases; But the righteous will see their downfall. 17Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul. 18Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is one who keeps the Law. 19A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. 20Do you see a person who is hasty with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21One who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be rebellious. 22An angry person stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing. 23A person’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. 25The fear of man brings a snare, But one who trusts in the Lord will be protected. 26Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for mankind comes from the Lord. 27An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
Christian Standard Bible

1One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly— beyond recovery.
2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.
4By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a person who demands "contributions" demolishes it.
5A person who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6An evil person is caught by sin, but the righteous one sings and rejoices.
7The righteous person knows the rights of the poor, but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.
8Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9If a wise person goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.
10Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, but the upright care about him.
11A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it in check.
12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.
15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother.
16When the wicked increase, rebellion increases, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17Discipline your child, and it will bring you peace of mind and give you delight.
18Without revelation people run wild, but one who follows divine instruction will be happy.
19A servant cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn’t respond.
20Do you see someone who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21A servant pampered from his youth will become arrogant later on.
22An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered one increases rebellion.
23A person’s pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor.
24To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself; he hears the curse but will not testify.
25The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.
26Many desire a ruler’s favor, but a person receives justice from the Lord. 27An unjust person is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
New Living Translation

1Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.
2When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
3The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.
4A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.
5To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.
6Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.
7The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.
8Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger.
9If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.
10The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them.
11Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.
12If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be 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 fairly, his throne will last forever.
15To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
16When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall.
17Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.
18When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.
19Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.
20There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
21A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel.
22An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.
23Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.
24If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.
25Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the Lord.
27The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.
King James Version

1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the Lord lighteneth both their eyes.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
26Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
New King James Version

1He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 3Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. 4The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. 5A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. 6By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. 7The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. 8Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. 11A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. 12If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. 13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 15The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. 16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. 17Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. 19A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. 20Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. 23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. 24Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord. 27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

What does Proverbs chapter 29 mean?

Chapter 25 began with a note indicating that King Hezekiah's men collected proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). This passage concludes that compilation.

This chapter begins with one of Scripture's most dire warnings: those who stubbornly refuse to be corrected will face sudden, inescapable harm. Other lessons contrast righteous and ungodly governments and the effect they have on their nations. Sin brings consequences; often the person who plans evil is harmed by their own scheme. Solomon also notes the chaotic danger of foolish thinking. He reiterates the need for discretion in who we argue with—and when (Proverbs 29:1–11).

Similar themes appear in the last verses of the passage. Solomon warns about the need for godly wisdom and the dangers of letting wickedness take over a culture. As God is the ultimate source of all truth and goodness, He is the only reliable source of justice. The divide between those who honor God and those who seek their own sin is drastic: both sides are thoroughly repulsed by how the other lives (Proverbs 29:12–27).

The last two chapters of the book of Proverbs include wisdom associated with a man named Agur, a king named Lemuel, and a famous description of a godly woman.
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