1 H e who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

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

2 W hen the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

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

3 W hoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

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

4 T he king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

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

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

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

6 B y transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.

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

7 T he righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

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

8 S coffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath.

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

9 I f a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

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 blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.

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

11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

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

12 I f a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.

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

13 T he poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

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

14 T he king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.

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

15 T he rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

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

16 W hen the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.

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

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

Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

18 W here there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.

19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond.

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

20 D o you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for 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 who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.

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

22 A n angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.

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

23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

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

24 W hoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.

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 brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

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 favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord.

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 who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

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