1 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. 2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. 3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. 4 A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. 5 To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. 6 Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy. 7 The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don't care at all. 8 Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger. 9 If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction. 10 The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them. 11 Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. 12 If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked. 13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common-- the LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. 14 If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever. 15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. 16 When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall. 17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. 18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. 19 Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded. 20 There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. 21 A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel. 22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. 23 Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. 24 If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify. 25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice comes from the LORD. 27 The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.
1 For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them. 2 When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans. 3 If you love wisdom, you'll delight your parents, but you'll destroy their trust if you run with whores. 4 A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste. 5 A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he's probably planning to take advantage of you. 6 Evil people fall into their own traps; good people run the other way, glad to escape. 7 The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea. 8 A gang of cynics can upset a whole city; a group of sages can calm everyone down. 9 A sage trying to work things out with a fool gets only scorn and sarcasm for his trouble. 10 Murderers hate honest people; moral folks encourage them. 11 A fool lets it all hang out; a sage quietly mulls it over. 12 When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil. 13 The poor and their abusers have at least something in common: they can both see--their sight, GOD's gift! 14 Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly. 15 Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents. 16 When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild, but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse. 17 Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did--they'll turn out delightful to live with. 18 If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. 19 It takes more than talk to keep workers in line; mere words go in one ear and out the other. 20 Observe the people who always talk before they think--even simpletons are better off than they are. 21 If you let people treat you like a doormat, you'll be quite forgotten in the end. 22 Angry people stir up a lot of discord; the intemperate stir up trouble. 23 Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors. 24 Befriend an outlaw and become an enemy to yourself. When the victims cry out, you'll be included in their curses if you're a coward to their cause in court. 25 The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in GOD protects you from that. 26 Everyone tries to get help from the leader, but only GOD will give us justice. 27 Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil; the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness. The Words of Agur Ben Yakeh God? Who Needs Him?
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. 4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. 5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. 7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. 8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. 11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. 20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. 22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. 23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. 24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. 4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. 5 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. 7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. 8 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. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. 11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. 12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14 The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 15 The rod and rebuke 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. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. 19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man 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. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. 23 A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. 24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
1 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. 2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. 3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. 4 The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. 6 By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. 7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern. 8 Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. 9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright are concerned for his life. 11 A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. 12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14 If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. 19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. 20 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 slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be a son. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. 23 A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24 He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD. 27 An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.
1 HE WHO, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed--and that without remedy. 2 When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh. 3 Whoever loves skillful and godly Wisdom rejoices his father, but he who associates with harlots wastes his substance. 4 The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts and tribute overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his own feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous man sings and rejoices. 7 The [consistently] righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. 8 Scoffers set a city afire [inflaming the minds of the people], but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek [to save] his life. 11 A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it. 12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together--the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall see the fall of the wicked. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart. 18 Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]--blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he. 19 A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not answer [the master who mistreats him]. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him. 21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward. 22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and a man given to anger commits and causes much transgression. 23 A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24 Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life; he falls under the curse [pronounced upon him who knows who the thief is] but discloses nothing. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high. 26 Many crave and seek the ruler's favor, but the wise man [waits] for justice from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way [of the Lord] is an abomination to the wicked.
1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy. 2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; 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. 4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. 5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet. 6 An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad. 7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. 8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. 9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. 10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright. 11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. 12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. 14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure. 15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. 16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law. 19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end. 22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. 23 A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. 24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify. 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. 26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice. 27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. 2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4 By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. 7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. 8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. 10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright. 11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. 12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14 If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. 16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. 18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. 19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. 22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. 23 One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. 24 The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. 25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. 26 Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.