1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck
Will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
But when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;
But a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 The king by justice makes the land stable,
But he who takes bribes tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor,
Spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is snared by his sin,
But the righteous can sing and be glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor.
The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
8 Mockers stir up a city,
But wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,
The fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity;
And they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool vents all of his anger,
But a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
All of his officials are wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 The king who fairly judges the poor,
His throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod of correction gives wisdom,
But a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, sin increases;
But the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace;
Yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But one who keeps the law is blessed.
19 A servant can’t be corrected by words.
Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from youth
Will have him become a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife,
And a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23 A man’s pride brings him low,
But one of lowly spirit gains honor.
24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul.
He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
25 The fear of man proves to be a snare,
But whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.
27 A dishonest man detests the righteous,
And the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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