For their feet run to evil,
And they hurry to shed blood.

Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless];

When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open];
And when you run, you will not stumble.

“By me kings reign
And rulers decide and decree justice.

The rich man’s wealth is his fortress;
The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing],
But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin].

The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life;
The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.

In a multitude of people is a king’s glory,
But in a lack of people is a [pretentious] prince’s ruin.

In the light of the king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.

A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Discipline and teach your son while there is hope,
And do not [indulge your anger or resentment by imposing inappropriate punishment nor] desire his destruction.

The righteous one keeps an eye on the house of the wicked—
How the wicked are cast down to ruin.

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, the one in right standing with God),
But to the evildoers it is disaster.

For their tragedy will rise suddenly,
And who knows the punishment that both [the Lord and the king] will bring on the rebellious?

Like clouds and wind without rain
Is a man who boasts falsely of gifts [he does not give].

The north wind brings forth rain;
And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.

Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a [shortsighted] fool.

A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.

A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly
Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

Do not give your [generative] strength to women [neither foreign wives in marriages of alliances, nor concubines],
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.