Warnings and Instructions

1
A man who hardens {his} neck after much reproof
Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. 2
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan. 3
A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who keeps company with harlots wastes {his} wealth. 4
The king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. 5
A man who flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps. 6
By transgression an evil man is ensnared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices. 7
The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand {such} concern. 8
Scorners set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away anger. 9
When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10
Men of bloodshed hate the blameless,
But the upright are concerned for his life. 11
A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back. 12
If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers {become} wicked. 13
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14
If a king judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever. 15
The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 16
When the wicked increase, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their fall. 17
Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also delight your soul. 18
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
But happy is he who keeps the law. 19
A slave will not be instructed by words {alone;}
For though he understands, there will be no response. 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 slave from childhood
Will in the end find him to be a son. 22
An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. 23
A man’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24
He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the oath but tells nothing. 25
The fear of man brings a snare,
But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. 26
Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man {comes} from the LORD. 27
An unjust man is abominable to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.