| English Standard Version | NET Bible |
| 1He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. | 1The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy. |
| 2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. | 2When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. |
| 3He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. | 3The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth. |
| 4By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down. | 4A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts tribute tears it down. |
| 5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. | 5The one who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps. |
| 6An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. | 6In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare, but a righteous person can sing and rejoice. |
| 7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. | 7The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor; the wicked does not understand such knowledge. |
| 8Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. | 8Scornful people inflame a city, but those who are wise turn away wrath. |
| 9If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. | 9If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs. |
| 10Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright. | 10Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity; as for the upright, they seek his life. |
| 11A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. | 11A fool lets fly with all his temper, but a wise person keeps it back. |
| 12If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked. | 12If a ruler listens to lies, all his ministers will be wicked. |
| 13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. | 13The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of them both. |
| 14If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever. | 14If a king judges the poor in truth, 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 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 look upon their downfall. | 16When the wicked increase, transgression 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 child, and he will give you rest; he will bring you happiness. |
| 18Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. | 18When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he! |
| 19By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. | 19A servant cannot be corrected by words, for although he understands, there is no answer. |
| 20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. | 20Do you see someone who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 21Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. | 21If someone pampers his servant from youth, he will be a weakling in the end. |
| 22A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. | 22An angry person stirs up dissension, and a wrathful person is abounding in transgression. |
| 23One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. | 23A person's pride will bring him low, but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor. |
| 24The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. | 24Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy; he hears the oath to testify, but does not talk. |
| 25The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. | 25The fear of people becomes a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be set on high. |
| 26Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice. | 26Many people seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one receives justice. |
| 27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked. | 27An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, and the one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked. |
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