Chapter
Verse

Proverbs chapter 29

English Standard Version

1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. 2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. 7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. 8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. 9If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. 10Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright. 11A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. 12If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked. 13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. 16When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. 18Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. 19By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. 20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. 22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. 23 One 's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. 24The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. 25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. 26Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
New International Version

New American Standard Bible

1A person often rebuked who becomes obstinate Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. 2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked person rules, people groan. 3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth. 4The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a person who takes bribes ruins it. 5A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. 6By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. 7The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor; The wicked does not understand such concern. 8Arrogant people inflame a city, But wise people turn away anger. 9When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10People of bloodshed hate the blameless person, But the upright are concerned for his life. 11A fool always loses his temper, But a wise person holds it back. 12If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked. 13The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 15The rod and a rebuke give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 16When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases; But the righteous will see their downfall. 17Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul. 18Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is one who keeps the Law. 19A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. 20Do you see a person who is hasty with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21One who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be rebellious. 22An angry person stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing. 23A person’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. 25The fear of man brings a snare, But one who trusts in the Lord will be protected. 26Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for mankind comes from the Lord. 27An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
Christian Standard Bible

New Living Translation

King James Version

New King James Version

1He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 3Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. 4The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. 5A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. 6By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. 7The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. 8Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. 11A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. 12If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. 13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 15The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. 16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. 17Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. 19A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. 20Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. 23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. 24Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord. 27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

What does Proverbs chapter 29 mean?

Chapter 25 began with a note indicating that King Hezekiah's men collected proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). This passage concludes that compilation.

This chapter begins with one of Scripture's most dire warnings: those who stubbornly refuse to be corrected will face sudden, inescapable harm. Other lessons contrast righteous and ungodly governments and the effect they have on their nations. Sin brings consequences; often the person who plans evil is harmed by their own scheme. Solomon also notes the chaotic danger of foolish thinking. He reiterates the need for discretion in who we argue with—and when (Proverbs 29:1–11).

Similar themes appear in the last verses of the passage. Solomon warns about the need for godly wisdom and the dangers of letting wickedness take over a culture. As God is the ultimate source of all truth and goodness, He is the only reliable source of justice. The divide between those who honor God and those who seek their own sin is drastic: both sides are thoroughly repulsed by how the other lives (Proverbs 29:12–27).

The last two chapters of the book of Proverbs include wisdom associated with a man named Agur, a king named Lemuel, and a famous description of a godly woman.
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