1Someone still stubborn after much reproof will suddenly be broken past mending.
2When the righteous are in power the people rejoice, but they groan when the wicked hold sway.
3A lover of wisdom brings joy to his father, but an associate of harlots squanders wealth.
4By just government a king maintains a country, but by extortion it can be brought to ruin.
5To flatter a neighbour is to spread a net for his feet.
6An evildoer is ensnared by his sin, but the doer of good will live and flourish.
7The righteous are concerned for the claims of the helpless, but the wicked cannot understand such concern.
8Arrogance can inflame a city, but wisdom averts the people's anger.
9If a wise person goes to law with a fool, he will meet with unceasing abuse and derision.
10Bloodthirsty men hate those who are honest, but the upright see to their interests.
11The stupid give free rein to their anger; the wise wait for it to cool.
12If a ruler listens to what liars say, all his ministers become wicked.
13The poor and the oppressors have this in common: it is the LORD who gives light to the eyes of both.
14If a king steadfastly deals out justice to the weak his throne will be secure for ever.
15Rod and reprimand impart wisdom, but an uncontrolled youth brings shame on his mother.
16When the wicked are in power, sin is in power, but the righteous will witness their downfall.
17Correct your son, and he will be a comfort to you and bring you the delights you desire.
18With no one in authority, the people throw off all restraint, but he who keeps God's law leads them on a straight path.
19Mere words will not keep a slave in order; he may understand, but he will not respond.
20Do you see someone over-eager to speak? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21Pamper a slave from childhood, and in the end he will prove ungrateful.
22Someone prone to anger provokes quarrels and a hothead is always committing some offence.
23Pride will bring anyone low, but honour awaits the lowly.
24He who goes shares with a thief is his own enemy: he hears himself put on oath but divulges nothing.
25Fear of men may prove a snare, but trust in the LORD is a tower of refuge.
26Many seek audience of a ruler, but it is the LORD who decides each case.
27The righteous cannot abide the unjust, nor can the wicked abide him whose conduct is upright.