King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall 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 the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
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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 spendeth 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 judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth 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 neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
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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 considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
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The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: 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 contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is 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 the upright: but the just seek his soul.
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The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
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Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
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If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
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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 bringeth his mother to shame.
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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 increaseth: but the righteous shall see 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 shall give thee rest; yea, he shall 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 perish: 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 answer.
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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 his son at the length.
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A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious 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 honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
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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 cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
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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 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 favour; but every man's judgment cometh 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 just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
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The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
The King James 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.