Proverbs 29:1-9 - Compare All Versions

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down. Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet. Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down. A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy. The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all. Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger. If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly — beyond recovery.  When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.  A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,  but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.  By justice a king brings stability to a land,  but a person who demands “contributions”  demolishes it.  A person who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.  An evil person is caught by sin,  but the righteous one sings and rejoices.  The righteous person knows the rights  of the poor,  but the wicked one does not understand these concerns. Mockers inflame a city,  but the wise turn away anger. If a wise person goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. 

He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: But he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. The king by judgment establisheth the land: But he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. A man that flattereth his neighbour Spreadeth a net for his feet. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: But the righteous doth sing and rejoice. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: But the wicked regardeth not to know it. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: But wise men turn away wrath. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, Whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them. When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans. If you love wisdom, you’ll delight your parents, but you’ll destroy their trust if you run with prostitutes. A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste. A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he’s probably planning to take advantage of you. Evil people fall into their own traps; good people run the other way, glad to escape. The good-hearted understand what it’s like to be poor; the hardhearted haven’t the faintest idea. A gang of cynics can upset a whole city; a group of sages can calm everyone down. A sage trying to work things out with a fool gets only scorn and sarcasm for his trouble.

A person often rebuked who becomes obstinate Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked person rules, people groan. A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth. The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a person who takes bribes ruins it. A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor; The wicked does not understand such concern. Arrogant people inflame a city, But wise people turn away anger. When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

He who hardens his neck and refuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized), Will suddenly be broken beyond repair. When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice; But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh. A man who loves [skillful and godly] wisdom makes his father joyful, But he who associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth. The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor [with smooth words intending to do harm] Is spreading a net for his own feet. By his wicked plan an evil man is trapped, But the righteous man sings and rejoices [for his plan brings good things to him]. The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor, But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. [Job 29:16; 31:13; Ps 41:1] Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble], But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment]. If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man, The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).

The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy. When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth. A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts tribute tears it down. The one who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps. In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare, but a righteous person can sing and rejoice. The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor; the wicked does not understand such knowledge. Scornful people inflame a city, but those who are wise turn away wrath. If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs.