New International Reader's Version

Proverbs 29:5-18 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

5. A man who only pretends to praise his neighbor is spreading a net to catch him by the feet.

6. A sinful man is trapped by his own sin. But a godly person can sing and be glad.

7. Those who do what is right want to treat poor people fairly. But those who do what is wrong don't care about the poor.

8. Those who make fun of others stir up a city. But wise people turn anger away.

9. Suppose a wise man goes to court with a foolish person. Then the foolish person gets mad and pokes fun. And there is no peace.

10. Murderers hate honest people. They try to kill those who do what is right.

11. A foolish person lets his anger run wild. But a wise person keeps himself under control.

12. If rulers listen to lies, all their officials become evil.

13. The Lord gives sight to the eyes of poor people and those who beat others down. That's what they both have in common.

14. If a king judges poor people fairly, his throne will always be secure.

15. If a child is corrected, he becomes wise. But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

16. When those who do wrong grow stronger, so does sin. But those who do right will see them destroyed.

17. If you train your children, they will give you peace. They will bring delight to you.

18. Where there is no message from God, the people don't control themselves. But blessed are those who obey the law.