Revised Standard Version RSV
Good News Translation GNT
1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
1
If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
2
Show me a righteous ruler and I will show you a happy people. Show me a wicked ruler and I will show you a miserable people.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but one who keeps company with harlots squanders his substance.
3
If you appreciate wisdom, your parents will be proud of you. It is a foolish waste to spend money on prostitutes.
4 By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who exacts gifts ruins it.
4
When the king is concerned with justice, the nation will be strong, but when he is only concerned with money, he will ruin his country.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
5
If you flatter your friends, you set a trap for yourself.
6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
6
Evil people are trapped in their own sins, while honest people are happy and free.
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
7
A good person knows the rights of the poor, but wicked people cannot understand such things.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.
8
People with no regard for others can throw whole cities into turmoil. Those who are wise keep things calm.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
9
When an intelligent person brings a lawsuit against a fool, the fool only laughs and becomes loud and abusive.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless, and the wicked seek his life.
10
Bloodthirsty people hate anyone who's honest, but righteous people will protect the life of such a person.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
11
Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
12
If a ruler pays attention to false information, all his officials will be liars.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
13
A poor person and his oppressor have this in common - the Lord gave eyes to both of them.
14 If a king judges the poor with equity his throne will be established for ever.
14
If a king defends the rights of the poor, he will rule for a long time.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
15
Correction and discipline are good for children. If they have their own way, they will make their mothers ashamed of them.
16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases; but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
16
When evil people are in power, crime increases. But the righteous will live to see the downfall of such people.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
17
Discipline your children and you can always be proud of them. They will never give you reason to be ashamed.
18 Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
18
A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order. Happy are those who keep God's law!
19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not give heed.
19
You cannot correct servants just by talking to them. They may understand you, but they will pay no attention.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
20
There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood, will in the end find him his heir.
21
If you give your servants everything they want from childhood on, some day they will take over everything you own.
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger causes much transgression.
22
People with quick tempers cause a lot of quarreling and trouble.
23 A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
23
Arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.
24 The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
24
A thief's partner is his own worst enemy. He will be punished if he tells the truth in court, and God will curse him if he doesn't.
25 The fear of man lays a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD is safe.
25
It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe.
26 Many seek the favor of a ruler, but from the LORD a man gets justice.
26
Everybody wants the good will of the ruler, but only from the Lord can you get justice.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but he whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
27
The righteous hate the wicked, and the wicked hate the righteous.
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.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.