More Proverbs of Solomon: Part 5

       A man who 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 one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

       Whoever flatters his neighbor

          is spreading a net for his feet.

       An evil man is snared by his own sin,

          but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

       The righteous care about justice for the poor,

          but the wicked have no such concern.

       Mockers stir up a city,

          but wise men turn away anger.

       If a wise man goes to court with a fool,

          the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

       Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity

          and seek to kill the upright.

       A fool gives full vent to his anger,

          but a wise man keeps himself under control.

       If a ruler listens to lies,

          all his officials become wicked.

       The poor man 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 always be secure.

       The rod of correction imparts wisdom,

          but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

       When the wicked thrive, so does sin,

          but the righteous will see their downfall.

       Discipline your son, and he will give you peace;

          he will bring delight to your soul.

       Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;

          but blessed is he who keeps the law.

       A servant cannot be corrected by mere words;

          though he understands, he will not respond.

       Do you see a man who speaks in haste?

          There is more hope for a fool than for him.

       If a man pampers his servant from youth,

          he will bring grief in the end.

       An angry man stirs up dissension,

          and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

       A man's pride brings him low,

          but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

       The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy;

          he is 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 man gets justice.

       The righteous detest the dishonest;

          the wicked detest the upright.

The Book of Proverbs: chapter 29