1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck,
Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Aonywaye mara nyingi akishupaza shingo, Atavunjika ghafula, wala hapati dawa.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice:
But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Wenye haki wakiwa na amri, watu hufurahi; Bali mwovu atawalapo, watu huugua.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father:
But he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
Apendaye hekima humfurahisha babaye; Bali ashikamanaye na makahaba hutapanya mali.
4 The king by judgment establisheth the land:
But he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Mfalme huithibitisha nchi kwa hukumu; Bali yeye apokeaye rushwa huipindua.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour
Spreadeth a net for his feet.
Mwenye kujipendekeza kwa jirani yake, Hutandika wavu ili kuitega miguu yake.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare:
But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
Kuna mtego katika kosa la mtu mbaya; Bali mwenye haki huimba na kufurahi.
7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor:
But the wicked regardeth not to know it .
Mwenye haki huyaangalia madai ya maskini; Bali mtu mbaya hana ufahamu hata ayajue.
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare:
But wise men turn away wrath.
Watu wenye dharau huwasha mji moto; Bali wenye hekima hugeuzia mbali ghadhabu.
9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man,
Whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
Mwenye hekima akijadiliana na mpumbavu; Akikasirika au akicheka, pia hapana raha.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright:
But the just seek his soul.
Wamwagao damu humchukia mtu mkamilifu; Bali wenye haki humtunza nafsi yake.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind:
But a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Mpumbavu hudhihirisha hasira yake yote; Bali mwenye hekima huizuia na kuituliza.
12 If a ruler hearken to lies,
All his servants are wicked.
Mwenye kutawala akisikiliza uongo; Basi watumishi wake wote watakuwa waovu.
13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together:
The LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
Maskini na mdhalimu hukutana pamoja; Bwana huwatia nuru macho yao wote wawili.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor,
His throne shall be established for ever.
Mfalme awahukumuye maskini kwa uaminifu; Kiti chake cha enzi kitathibitika milele.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom:
But a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Fimbo na maonyo hutia hekima; Bali mwana aliyeachiliwa humwaibisha mamaye.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth:
But the righteous shall see their fall.
Waovu wakiongezeka, maasi huongezeka; Bali wenye haki watayatazama maanguko yao.
17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest;
Yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Mrudi mwanao naye atakustarehesha; Naam, atakufurahisha nafsi yako.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish:
But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Pasipo maono, watu huacha kujizuia; Bali ana heri mtu yule aishikaye sheria.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words:
For though he understand he will not answer.
Haitoshi mtumwa kuonywa kwa maneno; Maana ajapoyafahamu hataitika.
20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words?
There is more hope of a fool than of him.
Je! Umemwona mtu mwenye kuhamaki katika maneno? Afadhali kumtumaini mpumbavu kuliko yeye.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child
Shall have him become his son at the length.
Amtunduiaye mtumwa wake tangu utoto, Mwisho wake atakuwa ni mwanawe.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife,
And a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
Mtu wa hasira huchochea ugomvi; Na mtu mwenye ghadhabu huasi sana.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low:
But honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Kiburi cha mtu kitamshusha; Bali mwenye roho ya unyenyekevu ataheshimiwa.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul:
He heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
Mshiriki wa mwivi huichukia nafsi yake mwenyewe; Asikia maapizo, wala hana neno.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare:
But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Kuwaogopa wanadamu huleta mtego; Bali amtumainiye Bwana atakuwa salama.
26 Many seek the ruler's favour;
But every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
Watu wengi hutafuta upendeleo wa mkuu; Bali hukumu ya kila mtu hutoka kwa Bwana
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just:
And he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Mtu aliye dhalimu ni chukizo kwa wenye haki; Na mnyofu wa mwenendo ni chukizo kwa waovu.
