Use Good Sense
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.
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 a long time.
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.
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.
1 A man that hardeneth his necke when he is rebuked, shall suddenly be destroyed and can not be cured. 2 When the righteous are in authoritie, the people reioyce: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people sigh. 3 A man that loueth wisdome, reioyceth his father: but he that feedeth harlots, wasteth his substance. 4 A King by iudgement mainteineth ye countrey: but a man receiuing giftes, destroyeth it. 5 A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his steps. 6 In the transgression of an euill man is his snare: but the righteous doeth sing and reioyce. 7 The righteous knoweth the cause of the poore: but the wicked regardeth not knowledge. 8 Scornefull men bring a citie into a snare: but wise men turne away wrath. 9 If a wise man contend with a foolish man, whether he be angry or laugh, there is no rest. 10 Bloodie men hate him that is vpright: but the iust haue care of his soule. 11 A foole powreth out all his minde: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterward. 12 Of a prince that hearkeneth to lyes, all his seruants are wicked. 13 The poore and the vsurer meete together, and the Lord lighteneth both their eyes. 14 A King that iudgeth the poore in trueth, his throne shalbe established for euer. 15 The rodde and correction giue wisdome: but a childe set a libertie, maketh his mother ashamed. 16 When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth: but ye righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy sonne and he will giue thee rest, and will giue pleasures to thy soule. 18 Where there is no vision, the people decay: but he that keepeth the Lawe, is blessed. 19 A seruant will not be chastised with words: though he vnderstand, yet he will not answere. 20 Seest thou a man hastie in his matters? there is more hope of a foole, then of him. 21 He that delicately bringeth vp his seruant from youth, at length he will be euen as his sone. 22 An angrie man stirreth vp strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. 23 The pride of a man shall bring him lowe: but the humble in spirit shall enioy glory. 24 He that is partner with a thiefe, hateth his owne soule: he heareth cursing, and declareth it not. 25 The feare of man bringeth a snare: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shalbe exalted. 26 Many doe seeke the face of the ruler: but euery mans iudgement commeth from the Lord. 27 A wicked man is abomination to the iust, and he that is vpright in his way, is abomination to the wicked.