Warnings and Instructions
1 He who hardens his neckandrefuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized),
Will suddenly be broken beyond repair.
2 When the righteous are in authorityandbecome great, the people rejoice;
But when the wicked man rules, the people groanandsigh.
3 A man who loves [skillful and godly] wisdom makes his father joyful,
But he who associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor [with smooth words intending to do harm]
Is spreading a net for his own feet.
6 By his wicked plan an evil man is trapped,
But the righteous man sings and rejoices [for his plan brings good things to him].
7 The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor,
But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble],
But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment].
9 If a wise man has a controversy with a foolishandarrogant man,
The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless [because of his integrity],
But the upright are concerned for his life.
11 A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temperanddisplays his anger,
But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies [and encourages corruption],
All his officialswill becomewicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lordgives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king faithfullyandtruthfully judges the poor,
His throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases,
But the righteous will see the downfall of the wicked.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
Yes, he will delight your soul.
18 Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained;
But happyandblessed is he who keeps the law [of God].
19 A servant will not be corrected by wordsalone;
For though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention].
20 Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]?
There is more hope for a [thickheaded]fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his slave from childhood
Will find him to be a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-temperedandundisciplined man commits many transgressions.
23 A man’s prideandsense of self-importance will bring him down,
But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the curse [when swearing an oath to testify], but discloses nothing [and commits perjury by omission].
25 The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts inandputs his confidence in the Lordwill be exaltedandsafe.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is repulsive to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way [of the Lord] is repulsive to the wicked.