29 One who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes
will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, people rejoice.
When the wicked rule, people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king brings stability to a land,
but one who takes bribes brings it ruin.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6 In an evil man’s wrongdoing is a trap,
but the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 A righteous person considers justice for the poor.
The wicked one has no such concern.
8 Mockers incite a city,
but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man argues with a foolish man,
he rants or laughs, with no resolution.
10 Bloodthirsty people hate a man of integrity
and seek the soul of the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to his temper,
but a wise man holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his servants will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
Adonai gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with truth,
his throne will always be secure.
15 A rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, wrongdoing increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son and he will give you rest.
He will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no divine vision people cast off restraint,
but blessed is the one who keeps Torah.
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words,
for though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see someone hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than him.
21 If someone pampers his slave from childhood
in the end he will be ungrateful.
22 An angry man stirs up dissention,
and a hotheaded one commits many transgressions.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low,
but a humble spirit will gain honor.
24 An accomplice of a thief is his own enemy.
He hears the oath but says nothing.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but one who trusts in Adonai will be kept safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but from Adonai one receives justice.
27 The righteous detest the unjust,
and the wicked detest the upright.