¹ One who remains stubborn despite frequent reproof
    will suddenly be crushed beyond hope of repair.
² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice,
    but they groan when the wicked ascend to power.
³ A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but a patron of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
⁴ By ruling justly a king gives stability to his country,
    but one who takes bribes causes its downfall.
⁵ Anyone who flatters his neighbor
    is spreading a net to trip him up.
⁶ An evildoer is ensnared by his own sin,
    but an upright man goes forward happily.
⁷ A righteous man has concern for the condition of the poor,
    but an evildoer shows no interest in this matter.
⁸ Scoffers can set a city aflame,^[a]
    but wise men turn away wrath.
⁹ If a wise man argues with a fool,
    he will get nowhere whether he rages or laughs.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless,^[b]
    but the upright show concern for him.
¹¹ A fool gives free rein to his anger,
    but a wise man bides his time and calms it.
¹² If a ruler listens to the testimony of liars,
    all of his officials will adopt evil ways.
¹³ A poor man and an oppressor have this in common:
    the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.^[c]
14 If a king zealously defends the rights of the poor,
    his throne will stand firm forever.
¹⁵ The rod of correction^[d] bestows wisdom,
    but an unreprimanded youth will bring shame on his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked are in power, sins increase,
    but the righteous will witness their downfall.
¹⁷ If you correct your son,^[e] he will give you peace of mind
    and bring delight to your soul.
¹⁸ Without prophecy the people become uncontrollable,
    but blessed are those who keep the law.^[f]
19 Mere words do not suffice to control a servant;
    even though he understands, he will not obey you.
²⁰ Do you see someone who is too eager to speak?
    There is more hope for a fool than for him.
²¹ If you pamper a slave from his childhood,
    in the end he will prove ungrateful.^[g]
22 A bad-tempered man provokes quarrels,
    and a hothead commits a host of offenses.
²³ A man’s pride will bring him low,
    but lowly souls will rise to honor.
²⁴ The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy,
    for he hears the curse^[h] but refuses to answer.
²⁵ The fear of others will prove to be a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is secure.
²⁶ Many seek the favor of a ruler,
    but it is the Lord who administers justice.
²⁷ A sinful man is abhorrent to the upright,
    and one who leads a holy life is hated by the wicked.