1
z He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be a broken b beyond healing.
2
When c the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when d the wicked rule, the people groan.
3
He who e loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but f a companion of prostitutes g squanders his wealth.
4
By justice a king h builds up the land,
but he who exacts gifts 1 tears it down.
5
i A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads j a net for his feet.
6
An evil man is k ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man l sings and rejoices.
7
A righteous man m knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not n understand such knowledge.
8
o Scoffers set a city aflame,
but the wise turn away wrath.
9
If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is p no quiet.
10
Bloodthirsty men q hate one who is blameless
and seek the life of the upright. 2
11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12
If a ruler listens to falsehood,
all his officials will be wicked.
13
The poor man and the oppressor r meet together;
the Lord s gives light to the eyes of both.
14
If a king t faithfully judges the poor,
his throne will u be established forever.
15
v The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself w brings shame to his mother.
16
When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but x the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17
y Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.
18
Where z there is no prophetic vision the people a cast off restraint, 3
but blessed is he who b keeps the law.
19
By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
for though he understands, he will not respond.
20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
c There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21
Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir. 4
22
d A man of wrath stirs up strife,
and one given to anger causes much transgression.
23
e One's pride will bring him low,
f but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24
The partner of a thief g hates his own life;
h he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25
i The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
26
Many j seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that a man k gets justice.
27
l An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.