New King James Version NKJV
New International Version NIV
1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
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Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
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When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes 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 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows 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 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 By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.
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Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked 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 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 contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
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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 the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.
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The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
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Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.
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If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: 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 The king who judges the poor with truth, 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 rebuke 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 are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.
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When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your 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 revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy 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 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; 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 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 He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.
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A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds 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 will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
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Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals 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 brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord 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 justice for man comes from the Lord.
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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 who 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.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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.