| New King James Version | Christian Standard Bible |
| 1He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. | 1One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly--beyond recovery. |
| 2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. | 2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan. |
| 3Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. | 3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. |
| 4The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. | 4By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a person who demands "contributions" demolishes it. |
| 5A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. | 5A person who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. |
| 6By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. | 6An evil person is caught by sin, but the righteous one sings and rejoices. |
| 7The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked 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 wise men turn away wrath. | 8Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. |
| 9If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. | 9If a wise person goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. |
| 10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. | 10Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, but the upright care about him. |
| 11A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. | 11A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it in check. |
| 12If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. | 12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. |
| 13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: 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. |
| 14The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. | 14A king who judges the poor with fairness--his throne will be established forever. |
| 15The rod and rebuke 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 are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. | 16When the wicked increase, rebellion increases, but the righteous will see their downfall. |
| 17Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. | 17Discipline your child, and it will bring you peace of mind and give you delight. |
| 18Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. | 18Without revelation people run wild, but one who follows divine instruction will be happy. |
| 19A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. | 19A servant cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn't respond. |
| 20Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. | 20Do you see someone who speaks too soon? 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. | 21A servant pampered from his youth will become arrogant later on. |
| 22An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. | 22An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered one increases rebellion. |
| 23A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. | 23A person's pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor. |
| 24Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. | 24To be a thief's partner is to hate oneself; he hears the curse but will not testify. |
| 25The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. | 25The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected. |
| 26Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD. | 26Many desire a ruler's favor, but a person receives justice 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. | 27An unjust person is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked. |
| The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. | The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. |
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