1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukeswill suddenly be destroyed – without remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability,but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
5 Those who flatter their neighboursare spreading nets for their feet.
6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin,but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Mockers stir up a city,but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrityand seek to kill the upright.
11 Fools give full vent to their rage,but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,his throne will be established for ever.
15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;though they understand, they will not respond.
20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21 A servant pampered from youthwill turn out to be insolent.
22 An angry person stirs up conflict,and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23 Pride brings a person low,but the lowly in spirit gain honour.
24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;they are put under oath and dare not testify.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
27 The righteous detest the dishonest;the wicked detest the upright.