1 One who stiffens his neck against all reproof
will be suddenly crushed beyond healing.
2 When the just are in power, the people are glad;
when the wicked hold sway, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but the comrade of harlots consumes his substance.
4 By justice a king sets his country erect,
but one whose exactions are heavy destroys it.
5 A man who cajols his neighbour
is spreading a net for his steps.
6 By his sin is a wicked man snared,
but the righteous does shout for joy.
7 To the righteous the cause of the poor is dear,
but the wicked care nothing at all.
8 Scoffers inflame a city (with discord),
but wise men turn passions aside.
9 When a wise man disputes with a fool,
he storms and laughs, and peace there is none.
10 Men of blood hate the blameless;
the wicked seek for his life.
11 The fool lets his temper go,
but a wise man restrains his anger.
12 If a ruler pays heed to false tales,
his officials all grow to be scoundrels.
13 Oppressor and poor meet together,
but the light in the eyes of them both is the Lord's.
14 If a king be faithful and just to the poor,
his throne will stand forever.
15 The rod of correction brings wisdom,
but a child let loose brings disgrace on his mother.
16 When the wicked hold sway, wrong increases,
but the righteous will gloat on their downfall.
17 Correct your son and your mind will be eased,
and he will delight your soul.
18 People break loose in the absence of vision,
but he who observes instruction is happy.
19 Not by words can a servant be trained;
for he knows, but he will not obey.
20 See you a man of hasty speech,
there is far more hope for a fool than for him.
21 The spoiled child will end as a servant,
and come to grief at the last.
22 A passionate man stirs up strife,
and much evil is wrought by hot temper.
23 Pride will lay a man low,
but the lowly attain to honour.
24 His own foe is he who goes shares with a thief;
he hears the curse, but he utters nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare,
but who trusts the Lord is safe.
26 Many seek royal favour,
but it is God who decides every man's fate.
27 The righteous abhor the unjust,
and the wicked abhor the upright.