Proverbs 第 29

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy. Repeated refusal to listen leads to an irreversible fall.

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. The mood of a community reflects the character of its leaders.

A child who loves wisdom brings joy to their father, but a companion of prostitutes wastes their wealth. Wisdom and self-control preserve both relationships and resources.

By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. Fairness builds nations; corruption crumbles them.

Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet. Manipulative kindness is a trap disguised as warmth.

In the wicked's sin there is a snare, but the righteous sing and rejoice. Righteous living is not just moral — it's deeply joyful.

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Compassion for the vulnerable is a hallmark of genuine righteousness.

Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. Wisdom calms storms that foolishness creates.

When a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs — there's no peace. Some people refuse reason no matter how gently it's offered.

The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Honesty attracts both admiration and opposition.

A fool gives full vent to their rage, but a wise person keeps themselves under control. The difference between foolishness and wisdom often shows up in the pause between feeling and reacting.

If a ruler listens to lies, all their officials become wicked. Leadership sets the moral tone — for better or for worse.

The poor and the oppressor have this in common — the Lord gives sight to both. Every person, regardless of status, depends on the same Creator.

If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever. Justice for the vulnerable is the foundation of enduring leadership.

A rod and a reed produce wisdom, but a child left to itself disgraces its mother. Loving boundaries shape children into people of character.

When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Don't be discouraged by temporary injustice — the story isn't over.

Discipline your children and they'll bring you peace and delight. The effort of parenting faithfully yields joy that lasts a lifetime.

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint, but blessed are those who heed wisdom's instruction. Vision and guidance keep a community anchored.

Servants cannot be corrected by mere words — even if they understand, they won't respond. Some people need consequences before they change.

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There's more hope for a fool than for them. Rash words cause more damage than almost anything else.

If a servant is pampered from youth, they'll become a son in the end — and bring grief. Without proper boundaries, even privileges become problems.

An angry person stirs up conflict and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. Anger is not just a feeling — it's a door to a chain of bad decisions.

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. The path up always begins by going down.

Partnering with a thief is hating your own life — you hear the curse but say nothing. Silence in the face of wrongdoing makes you complicit.

Fear of others proves to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. People-pleasing traps you; God-trusting frees you.

Many seek an audience with a ruler, but justice comes from the Lord. Don't exhaust yourself chasing human favor when divine justice is what you truly need.

The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright. There's a fundamental tension between integrity and corruption that can't be resolved — only chosen.