A Land under Just Rule
1A man often reproved who stiffens his neck will be broken all at once, and there will be no healing. 2When the righteous grow many, the people rejoice; when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 3A man who loves wisdom gladdens his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4A king gives a land firm ground by justice, but a man of exactions tears it down. 5A man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his own steps. 6In the offense of an evil man there is a snare, but the righteous sings and rejoices. 7The righteous knows the cause of the poor; the wicked has no understanding to know it. 8Men of scoffing set a city ablaze, but the wise turn wrath away. 9When a wise man goes to court with a senseless man, there is raging and there is laughing, and no rest. 10Men of blood hate the blameless, and the upright seek his life. 11A fool lets out all his spirit, but a wise man holds it back and keeps it quiet. 12If a ruler listens to lying words, all his officials become wicked. 13The poor man and the man of extortion meet together; Yahweh gives light to the eyes of both. 14A king who judges the poor with truth—his throne will stand forever.
The Rod and the Reproof
15The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a boy left to himself shames his mother. 16When the wicked grow many, offenses grow many, but the righteous will see their downfall. 17Discipline your son and he will give you rest; he will bring delights to your soul. 18Where there is no vision the people run wild, but happy is the one who keeps the teaching. 19A servant is not corrected by words alone; he understands, but there is no answer. 20Have you seen a man who is hasty with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21Pamper a servant from his youth, and in the end he will be your heir. 22An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man commits many offenses. 23A man’s pride will bring him low, but the lowly in spirit will hold on to honor. 24Whoever shares with a thief hates his own life; he hears the oath and says nothing. 25Dread of a man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in Yahweh is set on high. 26Many seek a ruler’s face, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh. 27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and whoever is upright in his way is an abomination to the wicked.
