Top of Page
Page Style
will suddenly be broken, and without a remedy.
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice;
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom bring joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king brings stability to a land,
but a man greedy for bribes ruins it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbour
is spreading a net for his own feet.
6 An evil man is snared by his own sin,
but the righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous care about the rights of the poor,
but the wicked do not understand these concerns.
8 Mockers set a city aflame,
but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool,
the fool only rants and raves without reaching a resolution.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity,
but the upright care about him.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man keeps himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If the king judges the poor with fairness,
his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom,
but a child left to his own ends brings disgrace to his mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, sin increases,
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will bring you peace;
he will be a delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
but happy is he who keeps the law.
19 A servant cannot be disciplined by mere words;
though he understands, he will not change.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If a man pampers his servant from his youth,
he will bring grief in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife,
and a hot-tempered man brings many transgressions.
23 A man’s pride brings him low,
but the humble in spirit attain honour.
24 To be the accomplice of a thief is to hate one’s own life;
he hears the victim cursing, yet cannot reveal anything.
25 The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
26 Many seek the favour of a ruler,
but a man receives justice from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous;
but the upright are detestable to the wicked.