[1] A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be
broken and will not be made well again. [2] When the upright have power,
the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
[3] A man who is a lover of wisdom is a joy to his father: but he who goes
in the company of loose women is a waster of wealth. [4] A king, by right
rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste. [5] A
man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his
steps. [6] In the steps of an evil man there is a net for him, but the
upright man gets away quickly and is glad. [7] The upright man gives
attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
[8] Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men
wrath is turned away. [9] If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he
may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest. [10] Men of blood are
haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul. [11] A foolish
man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly. [12] If a
ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers. [13]
The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to
their eyes equally. [14] The king who is a true judge in the cause of the
poor, will be safe for ever on the seat of his power. [15] The rod and
sharp words give wisdom: but a child who is not guided is a cause of shame
to his mother. [16] When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased;
but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall. [17] Give
your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your
soul. [18] Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he
who keeps the law will be happy. [19] A servant will not be trained by
words; for though the sense of the words is clear to him, he will not give
attention. [20] Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is
more hope for a foolish man than for him. [21] If a servant is gently cared
for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end. [22]
An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much
wrong. [23] A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a
gentle spirit will get honour. [24] A man who takes part with a thief has
hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing. [25] The fear of
man is a cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have
a safe place on high. [26] The approval of a ruler is desired by great
numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord. [27] An
evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting
to evil-doers.
