29 zHe who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be abroken bbeyond healing.

2  When cthe righteous increase, the people rejoice,

but when dthe wicked rule, the people groan.

3  He who eloves wisdom makes his father glad,

but fa companion of prostitutes gsquanders his wealth.

4  By justice a king hbuilds up the land,

but he who exacts gifts1 tears it down.

5  iA man who flatters his neighbor

spreads ja net for his feet.

6  An evil man is kensnared in his transgression,

but a righteous man lsings and rejoices.

7  A righteous man mknows the rights of the poor;

a wicked man does not nunderstand such knowledge.

8  oScoffers set a city aflame,

but the wise turn away wrath.

9  If a wise man has an argument with a fool,

the fool only rages and laughs, and there is pno quiet.

10  Bloodthirsty men qhate one who is blameless

and seek the life of the upright.2

11  A fool gives full vent to his spirit,

but a wise man quietly holds it back.

12  If a ruler listens to falsehood,

all his officials will be wicked.

13  The poor man and the oppressor rmeet together;

the Lord sgives light to the eyes of both.

14  If a king tfaithfully judges the poor,

his throne will ube established forever.

15  vThe rod and reproof give wisdom,

but a child left to himself wbrings shame to his mother.

16  When the wicked increase, transgression increases,

but xthe righteous will look upon their downfall.

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

he will give delight to your heart.

18  Where zthere is no prophetic vision the people acast off restraint,3

but blessed is he who bkeeps the law.

19  By mere words a servant is not disciplined,

for though he understands, he will not respond.

20  Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?

cThere is more hope for a fool than for him.

21  Whoever pampers his servant from childhood

will in the end find him his heir.4

22  dA man of wrath stirs up strife,

and one given to anger causes much transgression.

23  eOne’s pride will bring him low,

fbut he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

24  The partner of a thief ghates his own life;

hhe hears the curse, but discloses nothing.

25  iThe fear of man lays a snare,

but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

26  Many jseek the face of a ruler,

but it is from the Lord that a man kgets justice.

27  lAn unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,

but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.