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

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

2 W hen the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 M ockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

Scoffers set a city afire, but wise men turn away wrath.

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

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

10 T he bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek his life.

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

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

12 I f a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.

If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked.

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

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

14 T he king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.

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

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

16 W hen the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the righteous shall see the fall of the wicked.

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

Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.

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

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

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

A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though 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 hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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

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

22 A n angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 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.

26 M any seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.

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

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

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