Proverbs 29:1-5

Proverbs 29:1-5English Standard Version
29 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
    spreads a net for his feet.

---

The purpose of reproof or correction is so that you may change for the better, but the man who is stubborn and will not listen to correction will have to be broken beyond healing, according to Solomon.  We take the easy way out and listen to reproof before we have to face harsh judgment from the LORD and/or governing authorities to correct us.

Solomon repeats the wisdom that the people (even the unrighteous people) rejoice when the righteous is in power, but everyone (including the unrighteous) mourn and groan when the wicked are in power.  When we have the choice to choose our leaders, we should always look for the opportunity to choose the person who is more righteous (no candidate will be perfect there), will encourage righteousness, and will punish wickedness.

The man who loves wisdom makes his father (and mother) glad because they do not worry about the decisions he will make when they are no longer around.  However, the man who makes prostitutes his companion and sacrifices his sexual purity and pays money in exchange for temporary pleasure will come to ruin and will be a heavy weight on his mother and father, as he will spend all he has seeking pleasure that will only be fleeting.

A leader who is just will build up the nation and people he rules over, but the one who takes bribes and demands gifts (and probably high taxes) will tear a nation down.  In the first case, the king is working to protect the people and has them in mind, in the second case, the king thinks all the people work to serve him and that he should get everything he can from his position--including taking bribes that result in injustices being done.  A nation must be a nation of laws and justice, otherwise, it will come to ruin.

Flattery is a form of deception and has no place between friends and neighbors.  Somone who acts that way is ultimately going to lay a trap for themselves.