Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

 ¹ He, who when being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that is without recourse.

 ² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn.

 ³ Whoever loves wisdom rejoices his father, but he who keeps company with harlots spends his substance.

 ⁴ The king by judgment establishes the land, but he who receives gifts overthrows it.

 ⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

 ⁶ In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the righteous sing and rejoice.

 ⁷ The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked decides not to recognize what condition they are in.

 ⁸ Scornful men bring a city into a snare, but wise men turn away wrath.

 ⁹ If a wise man contends with a foolish man, there is no peace [resolution] for the fool only rages and laughs. [Therefore a wise man does not choose to contend with a foolish man; but if ordered by God to rebuke a fool, the wise man of course obeys.]

 ¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate the upright, but the righteous seek his soul.

 ¹¹ A fool utters all his mind, but a wise man keeps it back.

 ¹² If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants are wicked.

 ¹³ The poor and the deceitful man have this in common: the LORD gives light to both their eyes.

 ¹⁴ The king who faithfully judges the poor shall have his throne established forever.

 ¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself, brings his mother to shame.

 ¹⁶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous shall see their fall.

 ¹⁷ Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul.

 ¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but he who keeps the law, happy is he.

 ¹⁹ A servant will not be corrected by words; for though he understands, he will not answer.

 ²⁰ See a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

 ²¹ He who delicately brings up his servant from a child, shall have him become his son at the length.

 ²² An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.

 ²³ A man's pride shall bring him low, but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.

 ²⁴ Whoever is partner with a thief, hates his own soul; he falls under a curse and does not betray it.

 ²⁵ The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

 ²⁶ Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment comes from the LORD.

 ²⁷ An unjust [unrighteous] man is an abomination to the just; and he who is upright in the way, is an abomination to the wicked [sinners]. [And so those who still sin, while thinking themselves righteous, will hate and persecute those who are without sin and truly righteous, Gal 4:29, even to kill them, thinking they are doing God a service. John 16:2]