1One who becomes stiff-necked,

after many reprimands

will be shattered instantly —

beyond recovery.a

2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, people groan.a

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

but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.b

4By justice a king brings stability to a land,a

but a person who demands “contributions”A

demolishes it.b

5A person who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet.a

6An evil person is caught by sin,a

but the righteous one sings and rejoices.b

7The righteous person knows the rightsA of the poor,a

but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

8Mockers inflame a city,a

but the wise turn away anger.

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

there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.a a

10Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person,a

but the upright care about him.A

11A fool gives full vent to his anger,a a

but a wise person holds it in check.b

12If a ruler listens to lies,a

all his officials will be wicked.

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

the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.a

14A king who judges the poor with fairness —

his throne will be established forever.a

15A rod of correction imparts wisdom,a

but a youth left to himselfA

is a disgrace to his mother.b

16When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall.a

17Discipline your child,a and it will bring you peace of mind

and give you delight.

18Without revelationa a people run wild,b

but one who follows divine instruction will be happy.c

19A servant cannot be disciplined by words;

though he understands, he doesn’t respond.a

20Do you see someone who speaks too soon?a

There is more hope for a fool than for him.b

21A servant pampered from his youth

will become arrogantA later on.

22An angry person stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered oneA increases rebellion.a

23A person’s pride will humble him,a

but a humble spirit will gain honor.b

24To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;

he hears the curse but will not testify.a

25The fear of mankind is a snare,a

but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.a b

26Many desire a ruler’s favor,a

but a person receives justice from the Lord.b

27An unjust person is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright

is detestable to the wicked.a