1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy. |
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. |
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. |
4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. |
5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet. |
6 An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad. |
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. |
8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. |
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. |
10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright. |
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. |
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. |
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. |
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure. |
15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. |
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. |
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. |
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law. |
19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond. |
20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
21 If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end. |
22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. |
23 A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. |
24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify. |
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. |
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice. |
27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright. |