1 H e, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

He who, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed—and that without remedy.

2 W hen the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.

3 W hoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

Whoever loves skillful and godly Wisdom rejoices his father, but he who associates with harlots wastes his substance.

4 T he king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts and tribute overthrows it.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

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

6 I n the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the righteous man sings and rejoices.

7 T he righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

The righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge.

8 S cornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

Scoffers set a city afire, but wise men turn away wrath.

9 I f a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

10 T he bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek his life.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

A fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.

12 I f a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked.

13 T he poor and the deceitful man meet together: the Lord lighteneth both their eyes.

The poor man and the oppressor meet together—the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

14 T he king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.

15 T he rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

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

16 W hen the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the righteous shall see the fall of the wicked.

17 C orrect thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.

18 W here there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he who keeps the law —blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.

19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

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

20 S eest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 H e that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward.

22 A n angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger commits and causes much transgression.

23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

A man’s pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor.

24 W hoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life; he falls under the curse but discloses nothing.

25 T he fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.

26 M any seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord.

Many crave and seek the ruler’s favor, but the wise man for justice from the Lord.

27 A n unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.