[1] Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.
[2] When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
[3] The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.
[4] A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.
[5] To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.
[6] Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.
[7] The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.
[8] Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger.
[9] If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.
[10] The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them.
[11] Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.
[12] If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked.
[13] The poor and the oppressor have this in common— the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
[14] If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever.
[15] To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
[16] When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall.
[17] Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.
[18] When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.
[19] Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.
[20] There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
[21] A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel.
[22] An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.
[23] Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.
[24] If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.
[25] Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.
[26] Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the Lord.
[27] The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.