New King James Version NKJV
Revised Standard Version RSV
1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
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He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
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 are in authority, the people rejoice; but 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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He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but one who keeps company with harlots squanders his substance.
4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
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By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who exacts gifts ruins it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.
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A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.
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An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
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A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath.
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Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.
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 man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.
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Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless, and the wicked seek his life.
11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
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A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.
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If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be 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 man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light 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 equity his throne will be established for ever.
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
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The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.
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When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases; but the righteous will look upon 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 son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
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 prophecy the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond.
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By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not give heed.
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 a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.
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He who pampers his servant from childhood, will in the end find him his heir.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.
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A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger causes much transgression.
23 A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
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A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain 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 partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
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The fear of man lays a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD is safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord.
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Many seek the favor of a ruler, but from the LORD a man 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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An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but he whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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.