aHe who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be bbroken cbeyond healing.
2 When athe righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when bthe wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who aloves wisdom makes his father glad,
but ba companion of prostitutes csquanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king abuilds up the land,
but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5 aA man who flatters his neighbor
spreads ba net for his feet.
6 An evil man is aensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man bsings and rejoices.
7 A righteous man aknows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not bunderstand such knowledge.
8 aScoffers 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 ano quiet.
10 Bloodthirsty men ahate one who is blameless
and seek the life of the upright.
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 ameet together;
the Lord bgives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king afaithfully judges the poor,
his throne will bbe established forever.
15 aThe rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself bbrings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but athe righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 aDiscipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.
18 Where athere is no prophetic vision the people bcast off restraint,
but blessed is he who ckeeps 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?
aThere is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir.
22 aA man of wrath stirs up strife,
and one given to anger causes much transgression.
23 aOne’s pride will bring him low,
bbut he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24 The partner of a thief ahates his own life;
bhe hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25 aThe fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
26 Many aseek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that a man bgets justice.
27 aAn unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.