Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
But happy is he who keeps the law.

The fear of man brings a snare,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.

The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.

If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.

A man who hardens his neck after much reproof
Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.

An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

A man’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back.

The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such concern.

The king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also delight your soul.

A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.

He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the oath but tells nothing.

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

A man who flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.

He who pampers his slave from childhood
Will in the end find him to be a son.

Scorners set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away anger.

A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
For though he understands, there will be no response.

If a king judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.

Men of bloodshed hate the blameless,
But the upright are concerned for his life.

When the wicked increase, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their fall.

By transgression an evil man is ensnared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.

An unjust man is abominable to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.

Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the Lord.

When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.