1A man who is corrected again and again, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken, and there will be no cure for it.
2When the righteous are in power, the people are glad. But when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3Whoever loves wisdom makes his father glad. But a man who keeps company with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
4By justice a king makes his land stand firm. But a man who takes bribes tears it down.
5A man who flatters his neighbour is spreading a net for his feet.
6In the sin of an evil man there is a trap. But the righteous sings and is glad.
7The righteous gives thought to the cause of the poor. But the wicked does not care to know it.
8Men who mock set a city on fire. But wise men turn away anger.
9If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, the fool rages or laughs, and there is no peace.
10Men who thirst for blood hate the man who is honest. But the just care for his life.
11A fool pours out all that is in his mind. But a wise man holds it back until later.
12If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants become wicked.
13The poor man and the cheat meet together. The LORD gives light to the eyes of them both.
14If a king judges the poor faithfully, his throne will stand firm for ever.
15The rod and correction give wisdom. But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16When the wicked grow many, sin grows too. But the righteous will see them fall.
17Correct your son, and he will give you rest. Yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people perish. But happy is the one who keeps the law.
19A servant will not be corrected by words alone. Though he understands, he will not answer.
20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21If a man pampers his servant from childhood, in the end the servant will act as his son.
22An angry man stirs up strife, and a man full of rage sins again and again.
23A man's pride will bring him low. But honour will hold up the humble in spirit.
24Whoever shares with a thief hates his own soul. He hears the curse, but he says nothing.
25The fear of man brings a snare. But whoever trusts in the LORD will be safe.
26Many look for the ruler's favour, but every man's judgment comes from the LORD.
27An unjust man is disgusting to the just. And the man whose way is upright is disgusting to the wicked.