1One who is often reproved, yet remains stubborn,

will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3A child who loves wisdom makes a parent glad,

but to keep company with prostitutes is to squander one's substance.

4By justice a king gives stability to the land,

but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.

5Whoever flatters a neighbour

is spreading a net for the neighbour's feet.

6In the transgression of the evil there is a snare,

but the righteous sing and rejoice.

7The righteous know the rights of the poor;

the wicked have no such understanding.

8Scoffers set a city aflame,

but the wise turn away wrath.

9If the wise go to law with fools,

there is ranting and ridicule without relief.

10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,

and they seek the life of the upright.

11A fool gives full vent to anger,

but the wise quietly holds it back.

12If a ruler listens to falsehood,

all his officials will be wicked.

13The poor and the oppressor have this in common:

the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14If a king judges the poor with equity,

his throne will be established for ever.

15The rod and reproof give wisdom,

but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.

16When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases,

but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

17Discipline your children, and they will give you rest;

they will give delight to your heart.

18Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint,

but happy are those who keep the law.

19By mere words servants are not disciplined,

for though they understand, they will not give heed.

20Do you see someone who is hasty in speech?

There is more hope for a fool than for anyone like that.

21A slave pampered from childhood

will come to a bad end.29.21 Vg: Meaning of Heb uncertain

22One given to anger stirs up strife,

and the hothead causes much transgression.

23A person's pride will bring humiliation,

but one who is lowly in spirit will obtain honour.

24To be a partner of a thief is to hate one's own life;

one hears the victim's curse, but discloses nothing.29.24 Meaning of Heb uncertain

25The fear of others29.25 Or human fear lays a snare,

but one who trusts in the LORD is secure.

26Many seek the favour of a ruler,

but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.

27The unjust are an abomination to the righteous,

but the upright are an abomination to the wicked.