7
A righteous man 1knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not 2understand such knowledge.
8
3Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.
9
If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is 4no quiet.
10
Bloodthirsty men 5hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.
11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12
If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
13
The poor man and the oppressor 6meet together; the LORD 7 gives light to the eyes of both.
14
If a king 8faithfully judges the poor, his throne will 9be established forever.
15
10The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself 11brings shame to his mother.
16
When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but 12the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17
13Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
18
Where 14there is no prophetic vision the people 15cast off restraint, but blessed is he who 16keeps the law.
19
By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.
20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? 17There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21
Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir.
22
18A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.
23
19One's pride will bring him low, 20but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24
The partner of a thief 21hates his own life; 22he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25
23The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
26
Many 24seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man 25gets justice.
27
26An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.