2When the righteous [a]are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

3Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

4The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

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.

7The righteous considers the cause of the poor,
But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

8Scoffers set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away wrath.

9If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
But the upright seek his [b]well-being.

11A fool vents all his feelings,[c]
But a wise man holds them back.

12If a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servants become wicked.

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.

15The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their fall.

17Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.

18Where there is no [d]revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But happy is he who keeps the law.

19A servant will not be corrected by mere words;
For 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.

21He who pampers his servant from childhood
Will have him as a son in the end.

22An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.

23A man’s pride will bring him low,
But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

24Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He [e]swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.

25The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be [f]safe.

26Many seek the ruler’s [g]favor,
But justice for man comes 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.