Proverbs

¹He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy. ²When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. ³Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. ⁴The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down. ⁵A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. ⁶An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad. ⁷The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge. ⁸Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. ⁹If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace. ¹⁰The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright. ¹¹A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control. ¹²If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked. ¹³The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. ¹⁴The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever. ¹⁵The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother. ¹⁶When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. ¹⁷Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul. ¹⁸Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed. ¹⁹A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond. ²⁰Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. ²¹He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end. ²²An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin. ²³A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor. ²⁴Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify. ²⁵The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe. ²⁶Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from the LORD. ²⁷A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.