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29 The one who remains defiant after repeated reprimands
    will suddenly be shattered, and there will be no remedy for him.
When just leaders are in power, the citizens celebrate;
    but when evil people gain control, their joys become moans.

An adult who loves wisdom and follows its ways gives his parents joy,
    but one who hangs out with women of the street will lose everything.

A king brings stability to a land with his justice,
    but one who makes unjust demands brings it to ruin.
The one who flatters his friend
    is laying a trap that will catch his friend’s feet.
An evil person is sure to be trapped by his sin,
    but a man who lives right is free to sing and be glad.
The just get involved with the poor and know their issues,
    but the wicked cannot comprehend such concerns.
Mockers stir up a city and inflame passions,
    but the wise know how to put out the fire and ease tensions.

When the wise go to court against a fool,
    there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.

10 Bloodthirsty men despise those who are honest,
    but the just find a way to help them.

11 A fool does not think before he unleashes his temper,
    but a wise man holds back and remains quiet.

12 When it is known that a ruler listens to the words of liars,
    soon he will have only scoundrels for advisors.
13 A poor man and his oppressor have this in common:
    the Eternal created them and provides both with light and life.
14 The king who is fair in his treatment of the poor
    will see his dynasty continue forever.

15 Corporal punishment and correction produce wisdom,
    but a child left to follow his own willful way shames his mother.
16 When evil people are free to flourish, sin is on the rise,
    but the just will surely see their destruction.
17 If you discipline your children, they will make your life easier
    and refresh your soul.

18 Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild,
    but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness.
19 Words are not enough to correct a servant;
    even if he understands, he will not respond.
20 Have you ever met someone who is overly eager to talk?
    There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If you indulge your servant from early in life,
    in the end it won’t go well for either of you.

22 A hot-head provokes quarrels,
    and one mastered by anger commits all kinds of sins.
23 A person’s pride brings him down,
    but one of humble spirit has a firm hold on honor and respect.
24 Anyone who teams up with a thief must despise his own life,
    for he is bound by an oath to tell the truth and yet refuses.[a]
25 If you fear other people, you are walking into a dangerous trap;
    but if you trust in the Eternal, you will be safe.
26 Many people vie for special treatment from a ruler,
    yet genuine justice proceeds from the Eternal.
27 The right-living are disgusted by the actions of the unjust;
    likewise, the wicked are disgusted by the ways of the righteous.

29 Whoever remains stiff-necked(A) after many rebukes
    will suddenly be destroyed(B)—without remedy.(C)

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;(D)
    when the wicked rule,(E) the people groan.(F)

A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,(G)
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.(H)

By justice a king gives a country stability,(I)
    but those who are greedy for[a] bribes tear it down.

Those who flatter their neighbors
    are spreading nets for their feet.(J)

Evildoers are snared by their own sin,(K)
    but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

The righteous care about justice for the poor,(L)
    but the wicked have no such concern.

Mockers stir up a city,
    but the wise turn away anger.(M)

If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
    the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
    and seek to kill the upright.(N)

11 Fools give full vent to their rage,(O)
    but the wise bring calm in the end.(P)

12 If a ruler(Q) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.(R)

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

14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
    his throne will be established forever.(T)

15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
    but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.(U)

16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
    but the righteous will see their downfall.(V)

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
    they will bring you the delights you desire.(W)

18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.(X)

19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;
    though they understand, they will not respond.

20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
    There is more hope for a fool than for them.(Y)

21 A servant pampered from youth
    will turn out to be insolent.

22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
    and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.(Z)

23 Pride brings a person low,(AA)
    but the lowly in spirit gain honor.(AB)

24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
    they are put under oath and dare not testify.(AC)

25 Fear(AD) of man will prove to be a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord(AE) is kept safe.(AF)

26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,(AG)
    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.(AH)

27 The righteous detest the dishonest;
    the wicked detest the upright.(AI)

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 Or who give