Proverbs 29:1-16

¹A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.

²When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.

³A man who is a lover of wisdom is a joy to his father: but he who goes in the company of loose women is a waster of wealth.

⁴A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.

⁵A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.

⁶In the steps of an evil man there is a net for him, but the upright man gets away quickly and is glad.

⁷The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.

⁸Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.

⁹If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest.

¹⁰Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.

¹¹A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.

¹²If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.

¹³The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.

¹⁴The king who is a true judge in the cause of the poor, will be safe for ever on the seat of his power.

¹⁵The rod and sharp words give wisdom: but a child who is not guided is a cause of shame to his mother.

¹⁶When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.