Chapter 29 of 31

Proverbs 29

Every verse twice: in the King James Version, and in the World Bible Guide plain reading — what it says, in words anyone can follow.

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Illustration for the book of Proverbs

Proverbs 29, verse by verse

Each verse is given twice: first in the King James Version, then in the World Bible Guide plain reading.

1

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

A person who repeatedly ignores correction and remains stubborn will suddenly face ruin, with no chance of recovery.

2

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

When good people lead, everyone celebrates; but when the bad ones take charge, everyone feels sorrow.

3

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

Those who embrace wisdom bring joy to their parents, but those who keep company with prostitutes waste their resources.

4

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

A wise king strengthens his kingdom through fair judgment, but a greedy one who accepts bribes can bring it to ruin.

5

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

A person who excessively praises his friend is actually setting a trap for him.

6

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

When a wicked man sins, he traps himself; but the good man celebrates with joy and song.

7

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

Good-hearted people care about the struggles of the poor, but the wicked ignore their plight.

8

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

Mocking individuals can trap a city in chaos, but wise ones diffuse anger.

9

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

When a wise person argues with a fool, whether they express anger or amusement, they find no peace.

10

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

Those who crave violence despise the righteous, but the fair-minded care for their lives.

11

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

A fool blurts out everything they think, but a wise person holds their thoughts until the right moment.

12

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

If a leader listens to falsehoods, it corrupts all who serve him.

13

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

The impoverished and the dishonest cross paths: God grants them both clarity and understanding.

14

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

A king who judges the poor with true fairness will forever secure his reign.

15

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

The rod and correction lead to wisdom, but a child left unchecked brings his mother shame.

16

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

As evil grows, so does wrongdoing; but the good will witness their downfall.

17

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

Guide your child rightly, and you'll find peace; indeed, their growth will bring joy to your heart.

18

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

Where God does not reveal His word, people run wild and lose their way; but those who keep His law find joy and contentment.

19

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

A worker won't change just with words; even if they comprehend, they may not respond.

20

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

Do you see a person who speaks without thinking? Even a fool has more potential than him.

21

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

Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will find in the end that the servant expects to be treated as a son.

22

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

A hot-tempered person causes conflict, and a rage-filled individual often breaks rules.

23

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

A man's arrogance will lead to his downfall, but respect will lift up those with a humble heart.

24

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

Anyone who collaborates with a thief despises their own soul. They hear the oath that binds witnesses to speak, and still they keep silent.

25

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

Being afraid of people can trap you, but if you trust in God, you'll be secure.

26

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

Many crave the approval of those in power, but remember, it is God who gives each person true justice.

27

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

A good person despises the unjust, while the wicked detest those who walk the path of righteousness.

Go on with Proverbs 29

Hear it read aloud in the iPhone and iPad app, or bring a question about it to Simon Peter, Paul, Philip, John the Baptist, Judas Iscariot or Jesus. When an answer rests on a passage, you see which one. Each person is an interpretation drawn from the text, never the person.

The chapters of Proverbs