2
When the (A)righteous (a)increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.
3
A man who (B)loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who (C)keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.
4
The (D)king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
5
A man who (E)flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.
6
By transgression an evil man is (F)ensnared,
But the righteous (G)sings and rejoices.
7
The (H)righteous (b)is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such (c)concern.
8
Scorners (I)set a city aflame,
But (J)wise men turn away anger.
9
When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
(d)The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10
Men of (K)bloodshed hate the blameless,
But the upright (e)are concerned for his life.
11
A (L)fool (f)always loses his temper,
But a (M)wise man holds it back.
12
If a (N)ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.

Footnotes:

a. Proverbs 29:2: ['Or ', become great]
b. Proverbs 29:7: ['Lit ', knows the cause]
c. Proverbs 29:7: ['Lit ', knowledge]
d. Proverbs 29:9: ['Lit ', He]
e. Proverbs 29:10: ['Lit ', seek his soul]
f. Proverbs 29:11: ['Lit ', sends forth all his spirit]

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org