Proverbs 29

1Whoever is often corrected but remains stubborn will suddenly be destroyed beyond healing.

2When the righteous are in charge, the people celebrate, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to that person's father, but whoever spends time with prostitutes wastes that person's wealth.

4A king brings stability to the land through justice, but a king who demands bribes tears it down.

5Whoever flatters a neighbor is spreading a net for that neighbor's feet.

6An evil person is trapped by that person's own sin, but the righteous sing and rejoice.

7The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

8Mockers can throw a whole city into turmoil, but wise people turn away anger.

9If a wise person takes a fool to court, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no peace.

10Bloodthirsty people hate an honest person, but the upright seek to protect that honest person's life.

11A fool blurts out all that fool's anger, but a wise person holds it back and stays calm.

12If a ruler listens to lies, that ruler's officials all become wicked.

13The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to both their eyes.

14If a king judges the poor fairly, that king's throne will be secure forever.

15The rod and correction bring wisdom, but a child left without guidance disgraces that child's mother.

16When the wicked increase, sin increases too, but the righteous will see the wicked fall.

17Correct your child, and your child will bring you peace; your child will bring delight to your soul.

18Where people ignore God's word, people run wild, but blessed is whoever keeps the law.

19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; even if that servant understands, that servant will not respond.

20Do you see someone who speaks too quickly? There is more hope for a fool than for that person.

21A master who pampers a servant from childhood will find that servant rebellious and unruly in the end!

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

23A person's pride will bring that person down, but a humble spirit gains honor.

24Whoever partners with a thief is an enemy to their own life; a thief's partner hears the warning in court but stays silent.

25Fearing what people think is a trap, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

26Many seek the favor of a ruler, but justice for everyone comes from the LORD.

27The righteous detest a dishonest person, and the wicked detest whoever lives with integrity.