1 If you keep being stubbornafter many warnings,you will suddenly discoveryou have gone too far.
2 When justice rules a nation,everyone is glad;when injustice rules,everyone groans.
3 If you love wisdomyour parents will be glad,but chasing after bad womenwill cost you everything.
4 An honest rulermakes the nation strong;a ruler who takes bribeswill bring it to ruin.
5 Flattery is nothing lessthan setting a trap.
6 Your sins will catch you,but everyone who lives rightwill sing and celebrate.
7 The wicked don't careabout the rights of the poor,but good people do.
8 Sneering at others is a sparkthat sets a city on fire;using good sense can put outthe flames of anger.
9 Be wise and don't sue a fool.You won't get satisfaction,because all the fool will dois sneer and shout.
10 A murderer hates everyonewho is honestand lives right.
11 Don't be a fooland quickly lose your temper—be sensible and patient.
12 A ruler who listens to lieswill have corrupt officials.
13 The poor and all who abuse themmust each depend on Godfor light.
14 Kings who are fair to the poorwill rule a long time.
15 Correct your children,and they will be wise;children out of controldisgrace their mothers.
16 Crime increaseswhen crooks are in power,but law-abiding citizenswill see them fall.
17 If you correct your children,they will bring you peaceand happiness.
18 Without guidance from Godlaw and order disappear,but God blesses everyonewho obeys his Law.
19 Even when servants are smart,it takes more than wordsto make them obey.
20 There is more hope for a foolthan for someone who speakswithout thinking.
21 Slaves that you treat kindlyfrom their childhoodwill cause you sorrow.
22 A person with a quick temperstirs up argumentsand commits a lot of sins.
23 Too much pride brings disgrace;humility leads to honor.
24 If you take part in a crimeyou are your worst enemy,because even under oathyou can't tell the truth.
25 Don't fall into the trapof being a coward—trust the Lord,and you will be safe.
26 Many try to make friendswith a ruler,but justice comesfrom the Lord.
27 Good people and criminalscan't stand each other.