29 He who hardens his neck and refuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized),
Will suddenly be broken beyond repair.
² 
When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice;
But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.
³ 
A man who loves [skillful and godly] wisdom makes his father joyful,
But he who associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
⁴ 
The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
⁵ 
A man who flatters his neighbor [with smooth words intending to do harm]
Is spreading a net for his own feet.
⁶ 
By his wicked plan an evil man is trapped,
But the righteous man sings and rejoices [for his plan brings good things to him].
⁷ 
The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor,
But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge.^(A)
8 
Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble],
But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment].
⁹ 
If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man,
The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).
¹⁰ 
The bloodthirsty hate the blameless [because of his integrity],
But the upright are concerned for his life.^(B)
11 
A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger,
But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.
¹² 
If a ruler pays attention to lies [and encourages corruption],
All his officials will become wicked.
¹³ 
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.^(C)
14 
If a king faithfully and truthfully judges the poor,
His throne shall be established forever.
¹⁵ 
The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ 
When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases,
But the righteous will see the downfall of the wicked.
¹⁷ 
Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
Yes, he will delight your soul.
¹⁸ 
Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained;
But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].^(D)
19 
A servant will not be corrected by words alone;
For though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention].
²⁰ 
Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]?
There is more hope for a [thickheaded] ^[a]fool than for him.
²¹ 
He who pampers his slave from childhood
Will find him to be a son in the end.
²² 
An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered and undisciplined man commits many transgressions.
²³ 
A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down,
But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor.^(E)
24 
Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the curse [when swearing an oath to testify], but discloses nothing [and commits perjury by omission].
²⁵ 
The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord will be exalted and safe.
²⁶ 
Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the Lord.
²⁷ 
An unjust man is repulsive to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way [of the Lord] is repulsive to the wicked.