Proverbs 29:21

This servant might be a child. Be sensible when you give gifts to your children. Give gifts that will help them.

This verse is difficult to translate. Other possible meanings are:

• If you give your child only luxuries, he will become a servant. And he will suffer in the end.

• If you give honour to your servant boy, in the end he will become your son.

v22 The man who has a bad temper is always ready to start arguments.

He will cause a lot of trouble.

v23 A proud man will become humble.

But a humble man will receive honour.

v24 In court, even a thief’s friend becomes his enemy.

The thief’s friend promises to God to tell the truth.

Then the thief’s friend does not dare to say anything.

v25 If you are afraid of people, then this fear will cause troubles for you.

But the person that trusts God is safe.

v26 Many people want judges to help them.

But only God deals fairly with everyone.

v27 Good people hate evil people.

Evil people hate good people.