29 One who becomes stiff-necked,

after many reprimands

will be broken suddenly—

and without a remedy. a

 2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, people groan. b

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

but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. d

 4 By justice a king brings stability to a land, e

but a man ⌊who demands⌋ “contributions” f

demolishes it. g

 5 A man who flatters h his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet. i

 6 An evil man is caught by sin, j

but the righteous one sings and rejoices. k

 7 The righteous person knows the rights l of the poor, m

but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

 8 Mockers inflame a city, n

but the wise turn away anger.

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

there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. o p

 10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, q

but the upright care about him. r

 11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, s t

but a wise man holds it in check. u

 12 If a ruler listens to lies, v

all his servants will be wicked.

 13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: w

the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. x

 14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—

his throne will be established forever. y

 15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, z

but a youth left to himself a

is a disgrace to his mother. b

 16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall. c

 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you comfort; d

he will also give you delight.

 18 Without revelation e f people run wild, g

but one who keeps the law will be happy. h

 19 A servant cannot be disciplined by words;

though he understands, he doesn’t respond. i

 20 Do you see a man who speaks too soon? j

There is more hope for a fool than for him. k

 21 A slave pampered from his youth

will become arrogant l later on.

 22 An angry man stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered man m increases rebellion. n

 23 A person’s pride will humble him, o

but a humble spirit will gain honor. p

 24 To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;

he hears the curse but will not testify. q r

 25 The fear of man is a snare, s

but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. t u 

 26 Many seek a ruler’s favor, v

but a man receives justice from the Lord. w

 27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright

is detestable to the wicked. x