29 One who becomes stiff-necked,

after many reprimands

will be shattered instantly—

beyond recovery. v

2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, people groan. w

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

but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. y

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

but a man who demands “contributions” a

demolishes it. b

5 A man who flatters c his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet. d

6 An evil man is caught by sin, e

but the righteous one sings and rejoices. f

7 The righteous person knows the rights g of the poor, h

but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

8 Mockers inflame a city, i

but the wise turn away anger.

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

there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. j k

10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, l

but the upright care about him. m

11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, n o

but a wise man holds it in check. p

12 If a ruler listens to lies, q

all his officials will be wicked.

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

the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. s

14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—

his throne will be established forever. t

15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, u

but a youth left to himself v

is a disgrace to his mother. w

16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall. x

17 Discipline your son, and it will bring you peace of mind y

and give you delight.

18 Without revelation z a people run wild, b

but one who listens to instruction will be happy. c

19 A slave cannot be disciplined by words;

though he understands, he doesn’t respond. d

20 Do you see a man who speaks too soon? e

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

21 A slave pampered from his youth

will become arrogant g later on.

22 An angry man stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered man h increases rebellion. i

23 A person’s pride will humble him, j

but a humble spirit will gain honor. k

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

he hears the curse but will not testify. l m

25 The fear of man is a snare, n

but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. o p

26 Many seek a ruler’s favor, q

but a man receives justice from the Lord. r

27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright

is detestable to the wicked. s