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 grief1 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. 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. |
