29:1 The one who hardens his neck1 after numerous rebukes2
will suddenly be destroyed3 without remedy.4
29:2 When the righteous become numerous,5 the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.6
29:3 The one7 who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,8
but whoever associates9 with prostitutes wastes10 his wealth.11
29:4 A king brings stability12 to a land13 by justice,14
but one who exacts tribute15 tears it down.
29:5 The one16 who flatters17 his neighbor
spreads a net18 for his steps.19
29:6 In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare,20
but a righteous person can sing21 and rejoice.22
29:7 The righteous person cares for23 the legal rights24 of the poor;
the wicked does not understand such25 knowledge.
29:8 Scornful people26 inflame27 a city,28
but those who are wise turn away wrath.
29:9 If a wise person29 goes to court30 with a foolish person,
there is no rest31 whether he is angry or laughs.32
29:10 Bloodthirsty people33 hate someone with integrity;34
as for the upright, they seek his life.35
29:11 A fool lets out all his temper,36
but a wise person keeps it back.37
29:12 If a ruler listens to38 lies,39
all his ministers40 will be wicked.41
29:13 The poor person and the oppressor42 have this in common:43
the Lord gives light44 to the eyes of them both.
29:14 If a king judges the poor in truth,45
his throne46 will be established forever.
29:15 A rod and reproof47 imparts48 wisdom,
but a child who is unrestrained49 brings shame50 to his mother.51
29:16 When the wicked increase,52 transgression increases,
but the righteous will see53 their downfall.
29:17 Discipline your child, and he will give you rest;54
he will give pleasure55 to you.56
29:18 When there is no vision57 the people cast off restraint,58
but the one who keeps the law,59 blessed is he!60
29:19 A servant61 cannot be corrected62 by words,
for although63 he understands, there is no answer.64
29:20 Do you see someone65 who is hasty in his words?66
There is more hope for a fool than for him.67
29:21 If68 someone pampers his servant from youth,
he will be a weakling69 in the end.
29:22 An angry person70 stirs up dissension,
and a wrathful one71 is abounding in transgression.72
29:23 A person’s73 pride will bring him low,74
but one who has a lowly spirit75 will gain honor.
29:24 Whoever shares with a thief76 is his own enemy;77
he hears the adjuration,78 but does not talk.
29:25 The fear of people79 becomes80 a snare,81
but whoever trusts in the Lord will be set on high.82
29:26 Many people seek the face83 of a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that one receives justice.84
29:27 An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,
and the one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.85
The Words of Agur86