New International Version NIV
Revised Standard Version RSV
1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
1
He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
3
He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but one who keeps company with harlots squanders his substance.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
4
By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who exacts gifts ruins it.
5 Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.
5
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
6
An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
7
A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8 Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.
8
Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
9
If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
10
Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless, and the wicked seek his life.
11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
12
If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
13
The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.
14
If a king judges the poor with equity his throne will be established for ever.
15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
15
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
16
When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases; but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
17
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
18
Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.
19
By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not give heed.
20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
21
He who pampers his servant from childhood, will in the end find him his heir.
22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
22
A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger causes much transgression.
23 Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
23
A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.
24
The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
25
The fear of man lays a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD is safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.
26
Many seek the favor of a ruler, but from the LORD a man gets justice.
27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
27
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but he whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
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.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.