| English Standard Version | Holman Christian Standard Bible |
| 1He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. | 1One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly-- beyond recovery. |
| 2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. | 2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan. |
| 3He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. | 3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. |
| 4By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down. | 4By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man who demands "contributions" 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. |
| 6An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. | 6An evil man is caught by sin, but the righteous one sings and rejoices. |
| 7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. | 7The righteous person knows the rights of the poor, but the wicked one does not understand these concerns. |
| 8Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. | 8Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. |
| 9If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. | 9If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. |
| 10Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright. | 10Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, but the upright care about him. |
| 11A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. | 11A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check. |
| 12If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked. | 12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. |
| 13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. | 13The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. |
| 14If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever. | 14A king who judges the poor with fairness-- his throne will be established forever. |
| 15The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. | 15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother. |
| 16When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. | 16When the wicked increase, rebellion increases, but the righteous will see their downfall. |
| 17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. | 17Discipline your son, and it will bring you peace of mind and give you delight. |
| 18Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. | 18Without revelation people run wild, but one who listens to instruction will be happy. |
| 19By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. | 19A slave cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn't respond. |
| 20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. | 20Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 21Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. | 21A slave pampered from his youth will become arrogant later on. |
| 22A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. | 22An angry man stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered man increases rebellion. |
| 23One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. | 23A person's pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor. |
| 24The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. | 24To be a thief's partner is to hate oneself; he hears the curse but will not testify. |
| 25The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. | 25The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected. |
| 26Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice. | 26Many seek a ruler's favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. |
| 27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight 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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