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Proverbs 29:13-27

Proverbs 29:13-27 The Message (MSG)

The poor and their abusers have at least something in common: they can both see—their sight, GOD’s gift! Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly. Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents. When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild, but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse. Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did— they’ll turn out delightful to live with. If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. It takes more than talk to keep workers in line; mere words go in one ear and out the other. Observe the people who always talk before they think— even simpletons are better off than they are. If you let people treat you like a doormat, you’ll be quite forgotten in the end. Angry people stir up a lot of discord; the intemperate stir up trouble. Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors. Befriend an outlaw and become an enemy to yourself. When the victims cry out, you’ll be included in their curses if you’re a coward to their cause in court. The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in GOD protects you from that. Everyone tries to get help from the leader, but only GOD will give us justice. Good people can’t stand the sight of deliberate evil; the wicked can’t stand the sight of well-chosen goodness.

Proverbs 29:13-27 Amplified Bible (AMP)

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. [Prov 22:2] If a king faithfully and truthfully judges the poor, His throne shall be established forever. The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, But the righteous will see the downfall of the wicked. Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; Yes, he will delight your soul. Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. [1 Sam 3:1; Amos 8:11, 12] A servant will not be corrected by words alone; For though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention]. Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]? There is more hope for a [thickheaded] fool than for him. He who pampers his slave from childhood Will find him to be a son in the end. An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered and undisciplined man commits many transgressions. A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down, But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor. [Prov 15:33; 18:12; Is 66:2; Dan 4:30; Matt 23:12; James 4:6, 10; 1 Pet 5:5] Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the curse [when swearing an oath to testify], but discloses nothing [and commits perjury by omission]. The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the LORD will be exalted and safe. Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD. An unjust man is repulsive to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way [of the LORD] is repulsive to the wicked.

Proverbs 29:13-27 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Poor people and their oppressors have only one thing in common— God made them both. The best insurance for a leader’s longevity is to demonstrate justice for the poor. Experiencing many corrections and rebukes will make you wise. But if left to your own ways, you’ll bring disgrace to your parents. When the wicked are in power, lawlessness abounds. But the patient lovers of God will one day watch in triumph as their stronghold topples! Correct your child and one day you’ll find he has changed and will bring you great delight. When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray. But when you follow the revelation of the Word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul. A stubborn servant can’t be corrected by words alone. For even if he understands, he pays no attention to you. There’s only one kind of person who is worse than a fool: the impetuous one who speaks without thinking first. If you pamper your servants, don’t be surprised when they expect to be treated as sons. The source of strife is found in an angry heart, for sin surrounds the life of a furious man. Lift yourself up with pride and you will soon be brought low, but a meek and humble spirit will add to your honor. You are your own worst enemy when you partner with a thief, for a curse of guilt will come upon you when you fail to report a crime. Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place. Everyone curries favor with leaders. But God is the judge, and justice comes from him. The wicked hate those who live a godly life, but the righteous hate injustice wherever it’s found.