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

A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.

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

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan.

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

A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.

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

The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

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

A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.

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

By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.

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

The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern.

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

Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger.

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

When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

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

Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright are concerned for his life.

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

A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

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

If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked.

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

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: 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.

If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.

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 who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

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

When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.

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 comfort; He will also delight your soul.

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 are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.

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

A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response.

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 slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be a son.

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

An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in 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 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.

He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells 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 he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.

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

Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes 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 abominable to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.