Aussie Bible logo: gum tree, cross and Uluru at sunset over an open book Aussie BibleFair Dinkum Edition

Proverbs 29

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint. A king who judges the poor with fairness will have his throne established forever. Fear of man is a snare; trust in the Lord and be kept safe.

Now reading: Fair Dinkum

You’re in Study Mode. Each verse shows our Fair Dinkum rendering with the King James Version (1611) underneath, so you can compare them. Use the button above to switch back to plain reading.

Solomonic proverbs

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down. Those who flatter their neighbours are spreading nets for their feet. Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both. If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever. A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction. Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond. Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent. An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honour. The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice. The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

1

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy.

King James Version, 1611

He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

King James Version, 1611

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3

A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

King James Version, 1611

Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

4

By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

King James Version, 1611

The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

5

Those who flatter their neighbours are spreading nets for their feet.

King James Version, 1611

A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

6

Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

King James Version, 1611

In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

King James Version, 1611

The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

8

Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.

King James Version, 1611

Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

9

If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

King James Version, 1611

If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

10

The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.

King James Version, 1611

The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

11

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

King James Version, 1611

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

12

If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.

King James Version, 1611

If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

13

The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

King James Version, 1611

The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

14

If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.

King James Version, 1611

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

King James Version, 1611

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

16

When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.

King James Version, 1611

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

King James Version, 1611

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction.

King James Version, 1611

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

19

Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.

King James Version, 1611

A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

20

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

King James Version, 1611

Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

21

A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.

King James Version, 1611

He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

22

An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

King James Version, 1611

An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honour.

King James Version, 1611

A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24

The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.

King James Version, 1611

Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

King James Version, 1611

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

26

Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.

King James Version, 1611

Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.

27

The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

King James Version, 1611

An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.