Proverbs - Chapter 29

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. 17Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul. 18Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy. 19A servant will not be trained by words; for though the sense of the words is clear to him, he will not give attention. 20Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is more hope for a foolish man than for him. 21If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end. 22An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong. 23A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour. 24A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing. 25The fear of man is a cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have a safe place on high. 26The approval of a ruler is desired by great numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord. 27An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.