1 One who becomes stiff-necked,
after many reprimands
will be shattered instantly —
beyond recovery. 29:1 Pr 1:24–31; 6:14–15
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, people groan. 29:2 Ex 2:23; Est 8:15; Pr 11:10; 28:12,28
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, 29:3 Pr 10:1; 15:20; 23:24–25; 27:11; 28:7
but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. 29:3 Pr 5:9–10; 6:26; Lk 15:13,30
4 By justice a king brings stability to a land, 29:4 2Ch 9:8; Pr 29:14
but a person who demands "contributions" 29:4 The Hb word for contributions usually refers to offerings in worship.
demolishes it. 29:4 Pr 17:23
5 A person who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet. 29:5 Pr 26:28; 27:6; 28:23
6 An evil person is caught by sin, 29:6 Pr 12:13; 18:7; Ec 9:12
but the righteous one sings and rejoices. 29:6 Ex 15:1
7 The righteous person knows the rights 29:7 Lit justice of the poor, 29:7 Jb 29:16; Ps 41:1
but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.
8 Mockers inflame a city, 29:8 Pr 11:11; 26:21; 29:22
but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. 29:9 Lit rest, 29:9 Pr 26:4
10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, 29:10 Gn 4:5–8; 1Jn 3:12
but the upright care about him. 29:10 Or person, and seek the life of the upright
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, 29:11 Lit spirit, 29:11 Pr 12:16
but a wise person holds it in check. 29:11 Pr 16:32; 25:28
12 If a ruler listens to lies, 29:12 1Kg 22:8,21–23
all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: 29:13 Lit oppressor meet
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 29:13 Pr 22:2
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness —
his throne will be established forever. 29:14 Ps 72:4; Pr 16:12; 25:5; Is 11:4
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, 29:15 Pr 13:24; 22:15
but a youth left to himself 29:15 Lit youth sent away
is a disgrace to his mother. 29:15 Pr 10:1; 17:25
16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall. 29:16 Ps 37:34,36; 58:10; 91:8; 92:11
17 Discipline your child, 29:17 Pr 13:24 and it will bring you peace of mind
and give you delight.
18 Without revelation 29:18 Lit vision, 29:18 1Sm 3:1; Ps 74:9; Am 8:11–12 people run wild, 29:18 Ex 32:25
but one who follows divine instruction will be happy. 29:18 Ps 119:2; Pr 8:32; Jn 13:17; Jms 1:25
19 A servant cannot be disciplined by words;
though he understands, he doesn’t respond. 29:19 Mt 18:17
20 Do you see someone who speaks too soon? 29:20 Lv 5:4; Jdg 11:30–31,34; Pr 10:19; 17:27; 19:2; 20:25
There is more hope for a fool than for him. 29:20 Pr 26:12
21 A servant pampered from his youth
will become arrogant 29:21 Hb obscure later on.
22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered one 29:22 Lit a master of rage increases rebellion. 29:22 Pr 15:18; 26:21; 28:25
23 A person’s pride will humble him, 29:23 2Sm 22:28; Mt 23:12; Jms 4:6
but a humble spirit will gain honor. 29:23 Pr 11:2; 15:33; 18:12; 22:4
24 To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;
he hears the curse but will not testify. 29:24 Lv 5:1; Jos 7:19; Zch 5:3–4; Jn 9:24
25 The fear of mankind is a snare, 29:25 Gn 12:12; 20:2; 1Sm 13:11; Lk 12:4; Jn 12:42–43
but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. 29:25 Lit raised high, 29:25 Pr 14:27; 18:10
26 Many desire a ruler’s favor, 29:26 Pr 16:15; 19:6
but a person receives justice from the Lord. 29:26 Is 49:4; 1Co 4:4–5
27 An unjust person is detestable to the righteous,
and one whose way is upright
is detestable to the wicked. 29:27 Pr 29:10; Mt 10:22; Jn 15:18; 1Jn 3:13