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

He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

2 W hen the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 W hoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots destroyeth substance.

Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth it.

The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.

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

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

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

An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

7 T he righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge.

The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.

8 S cornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger.

Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

9 I f a wise man contendeth with a fool, whether he rage or laugh, hath no rest.

If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 T he bloodthirsty hate the perfect, but the upright care for his soul.

The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

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

A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

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

If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.

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

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.

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

The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

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

The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

16 W hen the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall.

When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

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

Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight 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 revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.

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

A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

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 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 in the end have him as a son.

He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.

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

An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

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

A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.

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

Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

25 T he fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected.

The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

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

Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.

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 dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.