1 A man who still won't obey after being warned many times will suddenly be destroyed. Nothing can save him.
2 When those who do right grow stronger, the people are glad. But when those who do wrong become rulers, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad. But a man who spends time with prostitutes wastes his father's wealth.
4 By doing what is fair, a king makes a country secure. But the one who wants to be paid off tears it down.
5 A man who only pretends to praise his neighbor is spreading a net to catch him by the feet.
6 A sinful man is trapped by his own sin. But a godly person can sing and be glad.
7 Those who do what is right want to treat poor people fairly. But those who do what is wrong don't care about the poor.
8 Those who make fun of others stir up a city. But wise people turn anger away.
9 Suppose a wise man goes to court with a foolish person. Then the foolish person gets mad and pokes fun. And there is no peace.
10 Murderers hate honest people. They try to kill those who do what is right.
11 A foolish person lets his anger run wild. But a wise person keeps himself under control.
12 If rulers listen to lies, all their officials become evil.
13 The Lord gives sight to the eyes of poor people and those who beat others down. That's what they both have in common.
14 If a king judges poor people fairly, his throne will always be secure.
15 If a child is corrected, he becomes wise. But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When those who do wrong grow stronger, so does sin. But those who do right will see them destroyed.
17 If you train your children, they will give you peace. They will bring delight to you.
18 Where there is no message from God, the people don't control themselves. But blessed are those who obey the law.
19 A servant can't be corrected only by words. Even if he understands, he won't obey.
20 Have you seen a man who speaks without thinking? There is more hope for foolish people than for him.
21 If you spoil your servant while he is young, he will bring you sorrow later on.
22 An angry man stirs up fights. And a person who burns with anger commits many sins.
23 If a man is proud, he will be made low. But if he isn't proud, he will be honored.
24 Anyone who helps a thief is his own enemy. When he is put under oath, he doesn't dare give witness.
25 If you are afraid of people, it will trap you. But if you trust in the Lord, he will keep you safe.
26 Many people want to meet a ruler. But only the Lord sees that people are treated fairly.
27 Those who do what is right hate dishonest people. Those who do what is wrong hate honest people.