King James Version, with Nii Okai's journal notes · 5 notes
1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
So be wary of flattery from men; it can set you up for your fall.
You can easily overestimate yourself and fall.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
Where, when faced with opposition, they do not speak right, but damn the consequences and destroy the city.
Such men start wars which could have been averted; they bring much strife, shame and pain.
But the wise know how to avert such.
9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
The CEV brings out the meaning more clearly:
Proverbs 29:9 CEVUK
Be wise and don't sue a fool. You won't get satisfaction, because all the fool will do is sneer and shout.
(AND THERE WILL BE NO PEACE — my own additions)
10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
I don't know if this is a good thing or a derogatory statement,
more like a rhetoric or sarcasm.
I think it is the latter.
Other translations suggest the same.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
So if you walk in righteousness, be wary of the wicked; they are not just unlike you or neutral to you. No, they hate you violently and would get rid of you when the opportunity presents itself.