Advice on Life and Justice

1After many rebukes, the stiff-necked man

will be broken incurably, without any warning.

2As the righteous grow powerful,a people rejoice;

but when the wicked rule, people groan.

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

but anyone who consorts with immoral women squanders his wealth.

4A king brings stability to a land through justice,

but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.

5A strong man who flatters his neighbor

is setting a trap where he walks.b

The Wicked and Righteous Contrasted

6An evil man is trapped by transgression,

but the righteous person sings and rejoices.

7The righteous person is concerned about the poor;

but the wicked don’t understand what they need to know.c

8Scornful men enflame a city,

but the wise defuse anger.

9When a wise man has a dispute with a fool,

the fool either rages or laughs without relief.

10Bloodthirsty men hate the innocent person,

but the upright show concern for his life.

11The fool vents all his feelings,d

but the wise person keeps them to himself.e

12When a ruler is listening to lies,

all of his officials tend to become wicked.

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

the LORD gave them both eyes with which to see.g

14When a king faithfully administers justice to the poor,

his throne will be established forever.

15The rod and rebuke bestow wisdom,

but an undisciplined childh brings shame to his mother.

16As the wicked grow powerful,i transgression increases,

but the righteous will observe their downfall.

17Correct your son and he will comfort you;

he will also delight your soul.

18Without prophetic vision, people abandon restraint,

but those who obey the Law are happy.

Dangerous Behaviors

19By mere words a servant will not be corrected;

even though he understands,

there will be no response.

20Do you see a man who speaks hastily?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21If you pamper a servant from his childhood,

later on he’ll become ungrateful.

22An angry man stirs up arguments,

and a hot-tempered man causes many transgressions.

23A person’s pride will bring about his downfall,

but the humble in spirit will gain honor.

24A thief’s accomplice hates himself;

though testifying under oath,j he reveals nothing.

25Fearing any human being is a trap,

but confiding in the LORD keeps anyone safe.

26Many seek a ruler’s favor,k

but justice for a man comes from the LORD.

27The unjust man is detestable to the righteous,

and whoever lives blamelessly is detestable to the wicked.