2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
         But when a wicked man rules, people groan.

3A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
         But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.

4The king gives stability to the land by justice,
         But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

5A man who flatters his neighbor
         Is spreading a net for his steps.

6By transgression an evil man is ensnared,
         But the righteous sings and rejoices.

7The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
         The wicked does not understand such concern.

8Scorners set a city aflame,
         But wise men turn away anger.

9When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
         The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

10Men of bloodshed hate the blameless,
         But the upright are concerned for his life.

11A fool always loses his temper,
         But a wise man holds it back.

12If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
         All his ministers become wicked.

13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
         The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

14If a king judges the poor with truth,
         His throne will be established forever.

15The rod and reproof give wisdom,
         But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

16When the wicked increase, transgression increases;
         But the righteous will see their fall.

17Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
         He will also delight your soul.

18Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
         But happy is he who keeps the law.

19A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
         For though he understands, there will be no response.

20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
         There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21He who pampers his slave from childhood
         Will in the end find him to be a son.

22An angry man stirs up strife,
         And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

23A man’s pride will bring him low,
         But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

24He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
         He hears the oath but tells nothing.

25The fear of man brings a snare,
         But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.

26Many seek the ruler’s favor,
         But justice for man comes from the LORD.

27An unjust man is abominable to the righteous,
         And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.

NASB ©1995

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