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The Stiff-Necked will be Destroyed

¹ A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

² When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but 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 brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute^(a) demolishes it.

⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

⁶ An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

⁷ The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.

⁸ Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.

⁹ If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.

¹⁰ Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life^(a).

¹¹ A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

¹² If a ruler listens to lies, 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.

¹⁴ A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.

¹⁵ A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.

¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.

¹⁹ A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; 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 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.

²² An angry man stirs up dissension, 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 A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but will not testify.

²⁵ The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be set securely on high.

²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.

²⁷ An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.