29 A man who stiffens his neck after much reproof+
Will suddenly be broken beyond healing.+
2 When the righteous are many, the people rejoice,
But when the wicked one rules, the people groan.+
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,+
But the one who keeps company with prostitutes squanders his wealth.+
4 By justice a king brings stability to a land,+
But a man seeking bribes brings it to ruin.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
Spreads out a net for his feet.+
6 A bad man’s transgression ensnares him,+
But the righteous one cries out joyfully and rejoices.+
7 The righteous one is concerned about the legal rights of the poor,+
But the wicked one has no such concern.+
8 Boastful men inflame a town,+
But those who are wise turn away anger.+
9 When a wise man enters into a controversy with a fool,
There will be ranting and ridicule, but no satisfaction.+
10 Bloodthirsty men hate anyone innocent,+
And they seek to take the life of the upright.
11 A stupid person gives vent to all his feelings,+
But the wise one calmly keeps them in check.+
12 When a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servants will be wicked.+
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
Jehovah gives light to the eyes of both.
14 When a king judges the poor fairly,+
His throne will always be secure.+
15 The rod and reproof impart wisdom,+
But a child left unrestrained brings shame on his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
But the righteous will see their downfall.+
17 Discipline your son and he will bring you rest;
And he will give you great pleasure.+
18 Where there is no vision, the people go unrestrained,+
But happy are those who observe the law.+
19 A servant will not let himself be corrected by words,
For though he understands, he does not obey.+
20 Have you seen a man hasty with his words?+
There is more hope for a fool than for him.+
21 If a servant is pampered from his youth,
He will become thankless later on.
22 A man prone to anger stirs up strife;+
Anyone disposed to rage commits many transgressions.+
23 The haughtiness of a man will humble him,+
But whoever is humble in spirit will obtain glory.+
24 The partner of a thief hates himself.
He may hear the call to testify, but he reports nothing.+
25 Trembling at men is a snare,+
But the one trusting in Jehovah will be protected.+
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
But it is from Jehovah that a man gets justice.+
27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,+
But the one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked one.+