¹He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck

will be destroyed suddenly , with no remedy .

²When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice ;

but when the wicked rule , the people groan.

³Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth .

⁴The king by justice makes the land stable,

but he who takes bribes tears it down .

⁵A man who flatters his neighbour

spreads a net for his feet .

⁶An evil man is snared by his sin ,

but the righteous can sing and be glad .

⁷The righteous care about justice for the poor .

The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge .

⁸Mockers stir up a city ,

but wise men turn away anger.

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

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

¹⁰The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity ;

and they seek the life of the upright .

¹¹A fool vents all of his anger ,

but a wise man brings himself under control.

¹²If a ruler listens to lies ,

all of his officials are wicked .

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

The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both .

¹⁴The king who fairly judges the poor ,

his throne shall be established forever .

¹⁵The rod of correction gives wisdom ,

but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

¹⁶When the wicked increase , sin increases ;

but the righteous will see their downfall.

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

yes, he will bring delight to your soul .

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

but one who keeps the law is blessed.

¹⁹A servant can ’t be corrected by words .

Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

²⁰Do you see a man who is hasty in his words ?

There is more hope for a fool than for him .

²¹He who pampers his servant from youth

will have him become a son in the end.

²²An angry man stirs up strife ,

and a wrathful man abounds in sin .

²³A man ’s pride brings him low ,

but one of lowly spirit gains honour .

²⁴Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul .

He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

²⁵The fear of man proves to be a snare ,

but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe .

²⁶Many seek the ruler ’s favour ,

but a man ’s justice comes from the LORD .

²⁷A dishonest man detests the righteous ,

and the upright in their ways detest the wicked .