1Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes

will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

2When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;

when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4By justice a king gives a country stability,

but those who are greedy for ^a bribes tear it down.

5Those who flatter their neighbors

are spreading nets for their feet.

6Evildoers are snared by their own sin,

but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

7The righteous care about justice for the poor,

but the wicked have no such concern.

8Mockers stir up a city,

but the wise turn away anger.

9If a wise person goes to court with a fool,

the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

10The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity

and seek to kill the upright.

11Fools give full vent to their rage,

but the wise bring calm in the end.

12If a ruler listens to lies,

all his officials become wicked.

13The poor and the oppressor have this in common:

The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

14If a king judges the poor with fairness,

his throne will be established forever.

15A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,

but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

16When the wicked thrive, so does sin,

but the righteous will see their downfall.

17Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;

they will bring you the delights you desire.

18Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;

but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

19Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;

though they understand, they will not respond.

20Do you see someone who speaks in haste?

There is more hope for a fool than for them.

21A servant pampered from youth

will turn out to be insolent.

22An angry person stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

23Pride brings a person low,

but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

24The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;

they are put under oath and dare not testify.

25Fear of man will prove to be a snare,

but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

26Many seek an audience with a ruler,

but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.

27The righteous detest the dishonest;

the wicked detest the upright.