1He who hardens his neck and refuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized),

Will suddenly be broken beyond repair.

2When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice;

But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.

3A man who loves [skillful and godly] wisdom makes his father joyful,

But he who associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

4The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice,

But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

5A man who flatters his neighbor [with smooth words intending to do harm]

Is spreading a net for his own feet.

6By his wicked plan an evil man is trapped,

But the righteous man sings and rejoices [for his plan brings good things to him].

7The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor,

But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge.

8Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble],

But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment].

9If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man,

The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).

10The bloodthirsty hate the blameless [because of his integrity],

But the upright are concerned for his life.

11A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger,

But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.

12If a ruler pays attention to lies [and encourages corruption],

All his officials will become wicked.

13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:

The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14If a king faithfully and truthfully judges the poor,

His throne shall be established forever.

15The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom,

But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

16When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases,

But the righteous will see the downfall of the wicked.

17Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;

Yes, he will delight your soul.

18Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained;

But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].

19A servant will not be corrected by words alone;

For though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention].

20Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]?

There is more hope for a [thickheaded] [a]fool than for him.

21He who pampers his slave from childhood

Will find him to be a son in the end.

22An angry man stirs up strife,

And a hot-tempered and undisciplined man commits many transgressions.

23A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down,

But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor.

24Whoever 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].

25The fear of man brings a snare,

But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the LORD will be exalted and safe.

26Many seek the ruler’s favor,

But justice for man comes from the LORD.

27An unjust man is repulsive to the righteous,

And he who is upright in the way [of the LORD] is repulsive to the wicked.