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

El hombre que, al ser reprendido, se vuelve terco, de repente y sin remedio será quebrantado.

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

Cuando los justos dominan, el pueblo se alegra; cuando domina el malvado, el pueblo gime.

3 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.

El hombre que ama la sabiduría alegra a su padre; el que frecuenta rameras perderá los bienes.

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

El rey que actúa con justicia afirma el país; el que sólo exige tributos, lo destruye.

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

El hombre que lisonjea a su prójimo le tiende una red delante de sus pasos.

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

En la transgresión del hombre malo está su propia trampa, pero el justo canta con alegría.

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

El justo está atento a la causa de los pobres; el malvado no entiende que eso es sabiduría.

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

Los hombres escarnecedores alborotan la ciudad; los sabios calman la ira.

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

Si el hombre sabio disputa con el necio, sea que se enoje o que se ría, no tendrá reposo.

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

Los hombres sanguinarios aborrecen al íntegro, pero los rectos procuran agradarle.

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

El necio da rienda suelta a toda su ira, pero el sabio, al fin, la apacigua.

12 I f a ruler listens to lies, all who work for him will become sinful.

Si un gobernante hace caso a la mentira, todos sus servidores serán malvados.

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

El pobre y el usurero tienen en común que Jehová alumbra los ojos de ambos.

14 I f the king is fair as he judges the poor, his throne will stand forever.

Para siempre será firme el trono del rey que conforme a la verdad juzga a los pobres.

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

La vara y la corrección dan sabiduría, pero el muchacho consentido avergüenza a su madre.

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

Cuando los malvados son muchos, mucha es la transgresión; pero los justos verán la ruina de ellos.

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

Corrige a tu hijo y te dará descanso, y dará alegría a tu alma.

18 W here 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.

Cuando falta la profecía, el pueblo se desenfrena, pero el que guarda la Ley es bienaventurado.

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

Al siervo no se le corrige con palabras, porque entiende, pero no hace caso.

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

¿Has visto un hombre ligero de palabra? Pues más puede esperarse de un necio que de él.

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

El siervo que desde la niñez es mimado por su amo, a la postre será su heredero.

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

El hombre iracundo provoca contiendas; el furioso, a menudo peca.

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

La soberbia del hombre le acarrea humillación, pero al humilde de espíritu lo sustenta la honra.

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

El cómplice del ladrón se aborrece a sí mismo, pues oye la maldición pero no le denuncia.

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

El temor del hombre le pone trampas; el que confía en Jehová está a salvo.

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

Muchos buscan el favor del príncipe, pero de Jehová procede la justicia para todos.

27 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.

Abominable es para los justos el hombre inicuo, y abominable es para el malvado el de caminos rectos.