Open English Translation PROV Chapter 29

29 The person who gets rebuked but just stiffens their neck,

will be broken suddenly and beyond recovery.

2 When it’s the godly ones who increase, the people are happy,

^ but when it’s the wicked, a nation groans.

3 Those who love wisdom, make their parents glad,

^ but the one who spends time with prostitutes, destroys wealth.

4 A king establishes the country with justice,

^ but one who accepts bribes, tears it down.

5 Someone who flatters their neighbour

is spreading out a net to capture them.

6 The disobedience of an evil person will trap them,

^ but the godly person sings and celebrates.

7 A godly person understands the poor person’s court case,

^ but the wicked person doesn’t understand knowledge.

8 Mockers inflame a city,

^ but wise people deflect anger.

9 If a wise person takes a fool to court,

then there’ll be rage and ridicule, but no resolution.

10 People who’ve killed hate those who are blameless,

^ but good citizens try to protect them .

11 The fool vents all their anger,

^ but a wise person holds it back.

12 A ruler who pays attention to lies,

will only have wicked officials.

13 A poor person and someone who’s oppressed have lots in common

^ but it’s Yahweh who gives hope to both of them.

14 A king who judges the poor fairly,

will always rule securely.

15 A scolding and a spanking give wisdom,

^ but an undisciplined child will bring shame to their mother.

16 When the wicked increase, crime increases,

^ but those who do what’s right will live to see their downfall.

17 Discipline your child and you’ll be able to relax,

and they’ll bring you happiness.

18 When there’s no vision, the people have no boundaries,

^ but those who follow Yahweh’s instructions will be happy.

19 A servant can’t be corrected just with words,

because even if they understand, they won’t answer.

20 If a person is quick to speak out,

there’s more hope for a fool than for them.

21 Someone who’s pampered their servants since they were young,

can only expect insolence in the end.

22 An angry person stirs up strife,

and someone who rages causes big trouble.

23 A person’s pride will bring them down,

^ but a humble person will be honoured.

24 Someone who helps a thief, hates their own life.

They take the oath yet refuse to testify.

25 A person’s fear becomes a trap,

^ but the one who trusts Yahweh will be kept safe.

26 Many people want to plead to the ruler,

^ but it’s Yahweh who gives a person justice.

27 those who do what’s right detest corrupt people,

^ but on the other hand, the wicked detest good citizens.