1Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism

will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

2When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.

But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

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

but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

4A just king gives stability to his nation,

but one who demands bribes destroys it.

5To flatter friends

is to lay a trap for their feet.

6Evil people are trapped by sin,

but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

7The godly care about the rights of the poor;

the wicked don’t care at all.

8Mockers can get a whole town agitated,

but the wise will calm anger.

9If a wise person takes a fool to court,

there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

10The bloodthirsty hate blameless people,

but the upright seek to help them.a

11Fools vent their anger,

but the wise quietly hold it back.

12If a ruler pays attention to liars,

all his advisers will be wicked.

13The poor and the oppressor have this in common—

the LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

14If a king judges the poor fairly,

his throne will last forever.

15To discipline a child produces wisdom,

but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

16When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes,

but the godly will live to see their downfall.

17Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind

and will make your heart glad.

18When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.

But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

19Words alone will not discipline a servant;

the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.

20There is more hope for a fool

than for someone who speaks without thinking.

21A servant pampered from childhood

will become a rebel.

22An angry person starts fights;

a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

23Pride ends in humiliation,

while humility brings honor.

24If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself.

You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.

25Fearing people is a dangerous trap,

but trusting the LORD means safety.

26Many seek the ruler’s favor,

but justice comes from the LORD.

27The righteous despise the unjust;

the wicked despise the godly.