Bethany Well

Prov. 29:1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be  broken  beyond healing.

2 When  the righteous increase, the people rejoice,

but when  the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 He who  loves wisdom makes his father glad,

but  a companion of prostitutes  squanders his wealth.

4 By 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.

6 An evil man is  ensnared in his transgression,

but a righteous man  sings and rejoices.

7 A 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.

9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool,

the fool only rages and laughs, and there is  no quiet.

10 Bloodthirsty men  hate one who is blameless

and seek the life of the upright.

11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,

but a wise man quietly holds it back.

12 If a ruler listens to falsehood,

all his officials will be wicked.

13 The poor man and the oppressor  meet together;

the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14 If 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.

16 When 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.

18 Where  there is no prophetic vision the people  cast off restraint,

but blessed is he who  keeps the law.

19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined,

for though he understands, he will not respond.

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 Whoever 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.

24 The 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.

26 Many  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.