English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
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Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
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When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
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A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
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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 who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
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Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.
6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
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Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
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The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.
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Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
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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 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.
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The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
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Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be 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; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
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The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.
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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 brings 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 increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
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When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
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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 prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
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Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.
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Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
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Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir.
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A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.
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An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23 One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
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Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
24 The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses 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 lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is 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 face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.
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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, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
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The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
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.