The Flourishing of the Righteous

¹ A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof

will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

² When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³ A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

⁴ By justice a king brings stability to the land,

but a man who exacts tribute^* demolishes it.

⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet.

⁶ An evil man is caught by his own sin,

but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

⁷ The righteous consider the cause of the poor,

but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.

⁸ Mockers inflame a city,

but the wise turn away anger.

⁹ If a wise man goes to court with a fool,

there will be raving^* and laughing^* with no resolution.

¹⁰ Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man,

but the upright care for his life.

¹¹ A fool vents all his anger,

but a wise man holds it back.^*

¹² If a ruler listens to lies,

all his officials will be wicked.

¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:

The LORD gives light to the eyes^* of both.

¹⁴ A king who judges the poor with fairness—

his throne will be established forever.

¹⁵ A rod of correction imparts wisdom,

but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases;

but the righteous will see their downfall.

¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;^*

he will bring delight to your soul.

¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;

but blessed is he who keeps the Law.

¹⁹ A servant cannot be corrected by words alone;

though he understands, he will not respond.

²⁰ Do you see a man who speaks in haste?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

²¹ A servant pampered from his youth

will bring grief in the end.^*

²² An angry man stirs up dissension,

and a hot-tempered man^* abounds in transgression.

²³ A man’s pride will bring him low,

but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

²⁴ A partner to a thief hates his own soul;

he receives the oath but does not testify.

²⁵ The fear of man is a snare,

but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor,

but a man receives justice from the LORD.

²⁷ An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.