| New King James Version | Berean Study Bible |
| 1He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. | 1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. | 2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. |
| 3Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. | 3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. |
| 4The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. | 4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. |
| 5A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. | 5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. |
| 6By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. | 6An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices. |
| 7The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. | 7The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns. |
| 8Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. | 8Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. |
| 9If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. | 9If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. |
| 10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. | 10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. |
| 11A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. | 11A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. |
| 12If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. | 12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. |
| 13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. | 13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. |
| 14The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. | 14A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever. |
| 15The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. | 15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. |
| 16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. | 16When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. |
| 17Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. | 17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. |
| 18Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. | 18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. |
| 19A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. | 19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. |
| 20Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. | 20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 21He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end. | 21A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end. |
| 22An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. | 22An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. |
| 23A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. | 23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
| 24Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. | 24A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify. |
| 25The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. | 25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. |
| 26Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD. | 26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. |
| 27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked. | 27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked. |
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