1A person [a]often rebuked who [b]becomes obstinate

Will suddenly be broken [c]beyond remedy.

2When the righteous [d]increase, the people rejoice,

But when a wicked person rules, people groan.

3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,

But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

4The king gives stability to the land by justice,

But a person who takes bribes ruins it.

5A man who flatters his neighbor

Is spreading a net for his steps.

6By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared,

But the righteous sings and rejoices.

7The righteous [e]is concerned for the rights of the poor;

The wicked does not understand such [f]concern.

8Arrogant people inflame a city,

But wise people turn away anger.

9When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person,

[g]The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

10People of bloodshed hate the blameless person,

But the upright [h]are concerned for his life.

11A fool [i]always loses his temper,

But a wise person holds it back.

12If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,

All his ministers become wicked.

13The poor person and the oppressor [j]have this in common:

The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14If a king judges the poor with truth,

His throne will be established forever.

15The rod and a rebuke give wisdom,

But a child [k]who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

16When the wicked [l]increase, wrongdoing increases;

But the righteous will see their downfall.

17Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;

He will also [m]delight your soul.

18Where there is no [n]vision, the people are unrestrained,

But happy is one who keeps the Law.

19A slave will not be instructed by words alone;

For though he understands, there will be no response.

20Do you see a person who is hasty with his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21One who pampers his slave from childhood

Will in the end find him to be rebellious.

22An angry person stirs up strife,

And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing.

23A person’s pride will bring him low,

But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

24One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;

He hears the oath but tells nothing.

25The fear of man [o]brings a snare,

But one who trusts in the LORD will be protected.

26Many seek the ruler’s [p]favor,

But justice for mankind comes from the LORD.

27An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,

And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.