29
Warnings and Instructions
1 He who hardens his neck and refuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized),
Will suddenly be broken beyond repair.
2 When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice;
But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.
3 A man who loves [skillful and godly] wisdom makes his father joyful,
But he who associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor [with smooth words intending to do harm]
Is spreading a net for his own feet.
6 By his wicked plan an evil man is trapped,
But the righteous man sings and rejoices [for his plan brings good things to him].
7 The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor,
But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. [Job 29:16; 31:13; Ps 41:1]
8 Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble],
But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment].
9 If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man,
The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless [because of his integrity],
But the upright are concerned for his life. [Gen 4:5, 8; 1 John 3:12]
11 A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger,
But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies [and encourages corruption],
All his officials will become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The Loʀᴅ gives light to the eyes of both. [Prov 22:2]
14 If a king faithfully and truthfully judges the poor,
His throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases,
But the righteous will see the downfall of the wicked.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
Yes, he will delight your soul.
18 Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained;
But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. [1 Sam 3:1; Amos 8:11, 12]
19 A servant will not be corrected by words alone;
For though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention].
20 Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]?
There is more hope for a [thickheaded] fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his slave from childhood
Will find him to be a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered and undisciplined man commits many transgressions.
23 A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down,
But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor. [Prov 15:33; 18:12; Is 66:2; Dan 4:30; Matt 23:12; James 4:6, 10; 1 Pet 5:5]
24 Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the curse [when swearing an oath to testify], but discloses nothing [and commits perjury by omission].
25 The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Loʀᴅ will be exalted and safe.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the Loʀᴅ.
27 An unjust man is repulsive to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way [of the Loʀᴅ] is repulsive to the wicked.