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Proverbs 29 (CEV)

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¹² A ruler who listens to lies will have corrupt officials. ¹³ The poor and all who abuse them must each depend on God for light. ¹⁴ Kings who are fair to the poor will rule forever. ¹⁵ Correct your children, and they will be wise; children out of control disgrace their mothers. ¹⁶ Crime increases when crooks are in power, but law-abiding citizens will see them fall. ¹⁷ If you correct your children, they will bring you peace and happiness. ¹⁸ Without guidance from God law and order disappear, but God blesses everyone who obeys his Law. ¹⁹ Even when servants are smart, it takes more than words to make them obey. ²⁰ There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. ²¹ Slaves that you treat kindly from their childhood will cause you sorrow. ²² A person with a quick temper stirs up arguments and commits a lot of sins. ²³ Too much pride brings disgrace; humility leads to honor. ²⁴ If you take part in a crime you are your worst enemy, because even under oath you can't tell the truth. ²⁵ Don't fall into the trap of being a coward-- trust the LORD, and you will be safe. ²⁶ Many try to make friends with a ruler, but justice comes from the LORD. ²⁷ Good people and criminals can't stand each other. ¹ If you keep being stubborn after many warnings, you will suddenly discover you have gone too far. ² When justice rules a nation, everyone is glad; when injustice rules, everyone groans. ³ If you love wisdom your parents will be glad, but chasing after bad women will cost you everything. ⁴ An honest ruler makes the nation strong; a ruler who takes bribes will bring it to ruin. ⁵ Flattery is nothing less than setting a trap. ⁶ Your sins will catch you, but everyone who lives right will sing and celebrate. ⁷ The wicked don't care about the rights of the poor, but good people do. ⁸ Sneering at others is a spark that sets a city on fire; using good sense can put out the flames of anger. ⁹ Be wise and don't sue a fool. You won't get satisfaction, because all the fool will do is sneer and shout. ¹⁰ A murderer hates everyone who is honest and lives right. ¹¹ Don't be a fool and quickly lose your temper-- be sensible and patient.