1 One who becomes stiff-necked,
after many reprimands
will be shattered instantly—
beyond recovery. m
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, people groan. n
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, o
but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. p
4 By justice a king brings stability to a land, q
but a person who demands “contributions” P
demolishes it. r
5 A person who flatters Q his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet. s
6 An evil person is caught by sin, t
but the righteous one sings and rejoices. u
7 The righteous person knows the rights R of the poor, v
but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.
8 Mockers inflame a city, w
but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. S,x
10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, y
but the upright care about him. T
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, U,z
but a wise person holds it in check. a
12 If a ruler listens to lies, b
all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: V
the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. c
14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever. d
15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, e
but a youth left to himself W
is a disgrace to his mother. f
16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall. g
17 Discipline your child, h and it will bring you peace of mind
and give you delight.
18 Without revelation X,i people run wild, j
but one who follows divine instruction will be happy. k
19 A servant cannot be disciplined by words;
though he understands, he doesn’t respond. l
20 Do you see someone who speaks too soon? m
There is more hope for a fool than for him. n
21 A servant pampered from his youth
will become arrogant Y later on.
22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered one Z increases rebellion. o
23 A person’s pride will humble him, p
but a humble spirit will gain honor. q
24 To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;
he hears the curse but will not testify. r
25 The fear of mankind is a snare, s
but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected. A,t
26 Many desire a ruler’s favor, u
but a person receives justice from the LORD. v
27 An unjust person is detestable to the righteous,
and one whose way is upright
is detestable to the wicked. w