Read the Bible

¹ The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes
will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.
² When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.
³ The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but whoever associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
⁴ A king brings stability to a land by justice,
but one who exacts tribute tears it down.
⁵ The one who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his steps.
⁶ In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare,
but a righteous person can sing and rejoice.
⁷ The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor;
the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
⁸ Scornful people inflame a city,
but those who are wise turn away wrath.
⁹ If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person,
there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity;
as for the upright, they seek his life.
¹¹ A fool lets fly with all his temper,
but a wise person keeps it back.
¹² If a ruler listens to lies,
all his ministers will be wicked.
¹³ The poor person and the oppressor have this in common:
the Lord gives light to the eyes of them both.
¹⁴ If a king judges the poor in truth,
his throne will be established forever.
¹⁵ A rod and reproof impart wisdom,
but a child who is unrestrained brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall.
¹⁷ Discipline your child, and he will give you rest;
he will bring you happiness.
¹⁸ When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!
¹⁹ A servant cannot be corrected by words,
for although he understands, there is no answer.
²⁰ Do you see someone who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
²¹ If someone pampers his servant from youth,
he will be a weakling in the end.
²² An angry person stirs up dissension,
and a wrathful person is abounding in transgression.
²³ A person's pride will bring him low,
but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor.
²⁴ Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy;
he hears the oath to testify, but does not talk.
²⁵ The fear of people becomes a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord will be set on high.
²⁶ Many people seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that one receives justice.
²⁷ An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,
and the one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.