1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof
will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king brings stability to the land,
but a man who exacts tribute1
demolishes it.
1 Or who taxes heavily or who takes bribes
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is caught by his own sin,
but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous consider the cause of the poor,
but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
8 Mockers inflame a city,
but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool,
there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man,
but the upright care for his life.1
1 Or but the upright seek his soul
11 A fool vents all his anger,
but a wise man holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom,
but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases;
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;
but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone;
though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 A servant pampered from his youth
will bring grief in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up dissension,
and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low,
but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 A partner to a thief hates his own soul;
he receives the oath, but does not testify.
25 The fear of man is a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,
and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.