Read the Bible

¹ If you keep being stubborn
    after many warnings,
    you will suddenly discover
    you have gone too far.
² When justice rules a nation,
    everyone is glad;
    when injustice rules,
    everyone groans.
³ If you love wisdom
    your parents will be glad,
    but chasing after bad women
    will cost you everything.
⁴ An honest ruler
    makes the nation strong;
    a ruler who takes bribes
    will bring it to ruin.

⁵ Flattery is nothing less
    than setting a trap.
⁶ Your sins will catch you,
    but everyone who lives right
    will sing and celebrate.
⁷ The wicked don't care
about the rights of the poor,
    but good people do.
⁸ Sneering at others is a spark
    that sets a city on fire;
    using good sense can put out
    the flames of anger.

⁹ Be wise and don't sue a fool.
    You won't get satisfaction,
    because all the fool will do
    is sneer and shout.
¹⁰ A murderer hates everyone
who is honest
    and lives right.^[a]
11 Don't be a fool
and quickly lose your temper—
    be sensible and patient.

¹² A ruler who listens to lies
    will have corrupt officials.
¹³ The poor and all who abuse them
    must each depend on God
    for light.
¹⁴ Kings who are fair to the poor
    will rule forever.

¹⁵ Correct your children,
    and they will be wise;
    children out of control
    disgrace their mothers.
¹⁶ Crime increases
    when crooks are in power,
    but law-abiding citizens
    will see them fall.
¹⁷ If you correct your children,
    they will bring you peace
    and happiness.

¹⁸ Without guidance from God
    law and order disappear,
    but God blesses everyone
    who obeys his Law.
¹⁹ Even when servants are smart,
    it takes more than words
    to make them obey.
²⁰ There is more hope for a fool
    than for someone who speaks
    without thinking.
²¹ Slaves that you treat kindly
from their childhood
    will cause you sorrow.^[b]
22 A person with a quick temper
stirs up arguments
    and commits a lot of sins.

²³ Too much pride brings disgrace;
    humility leads to honor.
²⁴ If you take part in a crime
    you are your worst enemy,
    because even under oath
    you can't tell the truth.
²⁵ Don't fall into the trap
    of being a coward—
    trust the Lord,
    and you will be safe.
²⁶ Many try to make friends
    with a ruler,
    but justice comes
    from the Lord.
²⁷ Good people and criminals
    can't stand each other.