1The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes

will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.

2When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice;

when the wicked rule, the people groan.

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

but whoever associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

4A king brings stability to a land by justice,

but one who exacts tribute tears it down.

5The one who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his steps.

6In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare,

but a righteous person can sing and rejoice.

7The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor;

the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

8Scornful people inflame a city,

but those who are wise turn away wrath.

9If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person,

there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs.

10Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity;

as for the upright, they seek his life.

11A fool lets fly with all his temper,

but a wise person keeps it back.

12If a ruler listens to lies,

all his ministers will be wicked.

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

the Lord gives light to the eyes of them both.

14If a king judges the poor in truth,

his throne will be established forever.

15A rod and reproof impart wisdom,

but a child who is unrestrained brings shame to his mother.

16When the wicked increase, transgression increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall.

17Discipline your child, and he will give you rest;

he will bring you happiness.

18When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,

but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!

19A servant cannot be corrected by words,

for although he understands, there is no answer.

20Do you see someone who is hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21If someone pampers his servant from youth,

he will be a weakling in the end.

22An angry person stirs up dissension,

and a wrathful person is abounding in transgression.

23A person’s pride will bring him low,

but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor.

24Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy;

he hears the oath to testify, but does not talk.

25The fear of people becomes a snare,

but whoever trusts in the Lord will be set on high.

26Many people seek the face of a ruler,

but it is from the Lord that one receives justice.

27An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,

and the one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.