The Flourishing of the Righteous

1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof

will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4By justice a king brings stability to the land,

but a man who exacts tribute (who taxes heavily)a demolishes it.

5A man who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet.

6An evil man is caught by his own sin,

but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

7The righteous consider the cause of the poor,

but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.

8Mockers inflame a city,

but the wise turn away anger.

9If a wise man goes to court with a fool,

there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.

10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man,

but the upright care for his life (but the upright seek his soul).b

11A fool vents all his anger {ruachow},

but a wise man holds it back.

12If a ruler listens to lies,

all his officials will be wicked.

13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:

The LORD {YHWH} gives light to the eyes of both.

14A king who judges the poor with fairness—

his throne will be established forever.

15A rod of correction imparts wisdom,

but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

16When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases;

but the righteous will see their downfall.

17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;

he will bring delight to your soul.

18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;

but blessed is he who keeps the Law.

19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone;

though he understands, he will not respond.

20Do you see a man who speaks in haste?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21A servant pampered from his youth

will bring grief in the end.

22An angry man stirs up dissension,

and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

23A man’s pride will bring him low,

but a humble spirit {ruach} will obtain honor.

24A partner to a thief hates his own soul;

he receives the oath but does not testify.

25The fear of man is a snare,

but whoever trusts in the LORD {YHWH} is set securely on high.

26Many seek the ruler’s favor,

but a man receives justice from the LORD {YHWH}.

27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.