Proverbs 29

29 <1> Some people refuse to bend when someone corrects them. Eventually they will break, and there will be no one to repair the damage.

<2> When the rulers are good, the people are happy. When the rulers are evil, the people complain.

<3> A son who loves wisdom makes his father happy. One who wastes his money on prostitutes will lose his wealth.

<4> A nation will be strong when it has a fair and just king. A nation will be weak when it has a king who is selfish and demands gifts.

<5> If you give false praise to others in order to get what you want, you are only setting a trap for yourself.

<6> Evil people are defeated by their sin, but good people will sing and be happy.

<7> Good people want to do what is right for the poor, but the wicked don't care.

<8> Proud people who laugh at what is right cause problems that divide whole cities, but people who are wise are able to calm those who are angry.

<9> If someone who is wise tries to settle a problem with a fool, the fool will argue and say stupid things, and they will never agree.

<10> If you always try to be honest, murderers will hate you, but those who do what is right will want you to be their friend.

<11> Fools are quick to express their anger, but wise people are patient and control themselves.

<12> If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be evil.

<13> In one way the poor and those who steal from them are the same-the Lord made them both.

<14> If a king judges the poor fairly, he will rule for a long time.

<15> Punishment and discipline can make children wise, but children who are never corrected will bring shame to their mother.

<16> If the wicked are ruling the nation, sin will be everywhere, but those who live right will win in the end.

<17> Correct your children whenever they are wrong, then you will always be proud of them. They will never make you ashamed.

<18> If a nation is not guided by God, the people will lose self-control, but the nation that obeys God's law will be happy.

<19> Servants will not learn a lesson if you only talk to them. They might understand you, but they will not respond.

<20> There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

<21> Give your servants everything they want, and they will learn to be wasteful.

<22> An angry person causes arguments, and someone who is quick-tempered is guilty of many sins.

<23> Your pride can bring you down. Humility will bring you honor.

<24> You are your own worst enemy if you take part in a crime. You will not be able to tell the truth even when people threaten you.

<25> Fear can be a trap, but if you trust in the Lord, you will be safe.

<26> Many people want the friendship of a ruler, but the Lord is the only one who judges people fairly.

<27> Good people think the wicked are disgusting, and the wicked feel disgust for those who are honest.