^1. A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy.

^2. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

^3. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

^4. By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

^5. Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.

^6. An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

^7. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

^8. Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

^9. If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

^10. Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright.

^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 man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

^14. If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure.

^15. The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

^16. When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.

^17. Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

^18. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.

^19. A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond.

^20. Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

^21. If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief [1] in the end.

^22. An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

^23. A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

^24. The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify.

^25. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

^26. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.

^27. The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.