American Standard Version ASV
New International Version NIV
1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
1
Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
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When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth [his] substance.
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A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
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By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.
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Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
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Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know [it].
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The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath.
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Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
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If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life.
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The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11 A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.
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Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.
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If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.
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The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever.
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If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
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A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
16 When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.
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When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.
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Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
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Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed.
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Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.
20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
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Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last.
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A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
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An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
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Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
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The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
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Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's favor; But a man's judgment [cometh] from Jehovah.
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Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
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The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.