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

A man who does not listen after many strong words are spoken to him will be destroyed all at once and without help.

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

When those who are right with God rule, the people are glad, but when a sinful man rules, the people have sorrow.

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

A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but he who goes with women who sell the use of their bodies wastes his money.

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

The king makes the land strong by doing what is right and fair, but the one who takes pay for doing wrong, destroys it.

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

A man who gives his neighbor sweet-sounding words that are not true spreads a net for his own feet.

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

A sinful man is trapped by his sins, but a man who is right with God sings for joy.

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

The man who is right with God cares about the rights of poor people, but the sinful man does not understand such things.

8 S coffers set a city afire, but wise men turn away wrath.

Men who speak against others set a city on fire, but wise men turn away anger.

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

When a wise man argues with a foolish man, the fool only gets angry or laughs, and there is no peace and quiet.

10 T he bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek his life.

Men who kill hate him without blame, but a good man cares for his life.

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

A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man keeps quiet.

12 I f a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked.

If a ruler listens to lies, all who work for him will become sinful.

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

The Lord gives light to the eyes of both the poor man and the man who makes it hard for others.

14 T he king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.

If the king is fair as he judges the poor, his throne will stand forever.

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

The stick and strong words give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

16 W hen the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the righteous shall see the fall of the wicked.

When the sinful are many, sins become many, but those who are right with God will see their fall.

17 C orrect your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.

Punish your son when he does wrong and he will give you comfort. Yes, he will give joy to your soul.

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

Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.

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

A servant will not be taught by words alone. For even if he understands, he will not answer.

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

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

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

He who gives good care to his servant from the time he is young, will in the end find him to be a son.

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

A man of anger starts fights, and a man with a bad temper is full of wrong-doing.

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

A man’s pride will bring him down, but he whose spirit is without pride will receive honor.

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

He who works with a robber hates his own life. He knows about the bad that will come, but can tell nothing.

25 T he 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.

The fear of man brings a trap, but he who trusts in the Lord will be honored.

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

Many look for the ruler’s favor, but what is right and fair comes from the Lord.

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

A sinful man is a shame to those who are right with God, and he who is right with God is a shame to the sinful.