Moff PROV Chapter 29

29 

He who is obstinate, in spite of many a warning,

will suddenly be done for.

2 

When good men are in power, people rejoice;

but when a bad man rules, the people groan.

3 

He who loves wisdom is his father’s joy:

a friend of harlots wastes his wealth.

4 

A king will make the country flourish by his justice

he who extorts money brings it low.

5 

A man who flatters his fellow

is spreading a net to trip him up.

6 

A bad man is snared by his own sin,

but good men can go forward happily.

7 

A good man cares for the rights of the poor;

a bad man has no interest in them.

8 

Unscrupulous men kindle strife in a city:

the sensible discourage party-spirit.

9 

If a wise man takes a fool into court,

he gets no peace, whether the fool storms or laughs.

10 

Blood-thirsty creatures hate a blameless man;

the upright plan how to protect him.

11 

A fool blurts out his wrath;

a wise man keeps his anger to himself.

12 

When a ruler listens to false accusations,

his servants become scoundrels.

13 

Side by side the poor and the oppressor stand:

both get their light of life from the Eternal.

14 

If a king governs the poor with equity,

his throne shall stand for ever.

15 

The rod of reproof brings wisdom:

a child left to himself will cause his mother shame.

16 

[[When bad men are in power, then crime increases

but good men shall yet gloat over their downfall.]]

17 

Chastise your son, and have an easy mind:

he will delight your soul.

18 

People break loose without a guiding hand,

but happy are the law-abiding!

19 

Mere words will never train a slave;

he understands, but he will not obey.

21 

A spoiled boy sinks to be a slave,

and comes to grief at last.

20 

You see a hasty man?

More hope for a fool than for him!

22 

A man of passion stirs up strife;

hot temper is the cause of many a sin.

23 

Man’s pride will lay him low:

lowly souls rise to honour.

24 

The partner of a thief is his own enemy . .

he swears to tell the truth, and he discloses nothing.

25 

The fear of man is dangerous;

but he who trusts in the Eternal shall be safe.

26 

Many bespeak a ruler’s favour;

but a man’s fate is fixed by the Eternal.

27 

The good man loathes the villain

the villain loathes the upright. * * *