1A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes

will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

2When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;

when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4By justice a king gives a country stability,

but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

5Whoever flatters his neighbor

is spreading a net for his feet.

6An evil man is snared by his own sin,

but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

7The righteous care about justice for the poor,

but the wicked have no such concern.

8Mockers stir up a city,

but wise men turn away anger.

9If a wise man goes to court with a fool,

the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

10Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity

and seek to kill the upright.

11A fool gives full vent to his anger,

but a wise man keeps himself under control.

12If a ruler listens to lies,

all his officials become wicked.

13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:

The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

14If a king judges the poor with fairness,

his throne will always be secure.

15The rod of correction imparts wisdom,

but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

16When the wicked thrive, so does sin,

but the righteous will see their downfall.

17Discipline your son, and he will give you peace;

he will bring delight to your soul.

18Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;

but blessed is he who keeps the law.

19A servant cannot be corrected by mere words;

though he understands, he will not respond.

20Do you see a man who speaks in haste?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21If a man pampers his servant from youth,

he will bring griefa in the end.

22An angry man stirs up dissension,

and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

23A man’s pride brings him low,

but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

24The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy;

he is put under oath and dare not testify.

25Fear of man will prove to be a snare,

but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

26Many seek an audience with a ruler,

but it is from the Lord that man gets justice.

27The righteous detest the dishonest;

the wicked detest the upright.