1A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.

2When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.

3A 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.

4A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.

5A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.

6In the steps of an evil man there is a net for him, but the upright man gets away quickly and is glad.

7The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.

8Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.

9If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest.

10Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.

11A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.

12If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.

13The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.

14The king who is a true judge in the cause of the poor, will be safe for ever on the seat of his power.

15The rod and sharp words give wisdom: but a child who is not guided is a cause of shame to his mother.

16When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.

17Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul.

18Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.

19A servant will not be trained by words; for though the sense of the words is clear to him, he will not give attention.

20Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is more hope for a foolish man than for him.

21If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end.

22An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong.

23A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.

24A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.

25The fear of man is a cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have a safe place on high.

26The approval of a ruler is desired by great numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord.

27An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.