1 H e that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and 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 increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

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

3 W hoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots destroyeth 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 A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth 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 that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.

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 shall sing and rejoice.

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

7 T he righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not 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 cornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger.

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

9 I f a wise man contendeth with a fool, whether he rage or laugh, hath 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 perfect, but the upright care for his soul.

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

11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise keepeth it back.

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

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

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

13 T he indigent and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.

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

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

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 bringeth 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 increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall.

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

17 C hasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest, and shall give delight unto thy soul.

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 cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the law.

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 is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer.

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

20 H ast thou seen a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of 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 that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall in the end have him as a son.

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 n angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

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

23 A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.

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

24 W hoso shareth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration, and declareth not.

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 bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected.

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

26 M any seek the ruler's face; but a man's right judgment is from Jehovah.

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 that is of upright 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.