1
Aonywaye mara nyingi akishupaza shingo, Atavunjika ghafula, wala hapati dawa.
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2
Wenye haki wakiwa na amri, watu hufurahi; Bali mwovu atawalapo, watu huugua.
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3
Apendaye hekima humfurahisha babaye; Bali ashikamanaye na makahaba hutapanya mali.
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4
Mfalme huithibitisha nchi kwa hukumu; Bali yeye apokeaye rushwa huipindua.
By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
5
Mwenye kujipendekeza kwa jirani yake, Hutandika wavu ili kuitega miguu yake.
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6
Kuna mtego katika kosa la mtu mbaya; Bali mwenye haki huimba na kufurahi.
An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
7
Mwenye haki huyaangalia madai ya maskini; Bali mtu mbaya hana ufahamu hata ayajue.
The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
8
Watu wenye dharau huwasha mji moto; Bali wenye hekima hugeuzia mbali ghadhabu.
Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9
Mwenye hekima akijadiliana na mpumbavu; Akikasirika au akicheka, pia hapana raha.
If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
10
Wamwagao damu humchukia mtu mkamilifu; Bali wenye haki humtunza nafsi yake.
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.
11
Mpumbavu hudhihirisha hasira yake yote; Bali mwenye hekima huizuia na kuituliza.
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
12
Mwenye kutawala akisikiliza uongo; Basi watumishi wake wote watakuwa waovu.
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13
Maskini na mdhalimu hukutana pamoja; Bwana huwatia nuru macho yao wote wawili.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14
Mfalme awahukumuye maskini kwa uaminifu; Kiti chake cha enzi kitathibitika milele.
A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.
15
Fimbo na maonyo hutia hekima; Bali mwana aliyeachiliwa humwaibisha mamaye.
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16
Waovu wakiongezeka, maasi huongezeka; Bali wenye haki watayatazama maanguko yao.
When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17
Mrudi mwanao naye atakustarehesha; Naam, atakufurahisha nafsi yako.
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
18
Pasipo maono, watu huacha kujizuia; Bali ana heri mtu yule aishikaye sheria.
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
19
Haitoshi mtumwa kuonywa kwa maneno; Maana ajapoyafahamu hataitika.
A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
20
Je! Umemwona mtu mwenye kuhamaki katika maneno? Afadhali kumtumaini mpumbavu kuliko yeye.
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21
Amtunduiaye mtumwa wake tangu utoto, Mwisho wake atakuwa ni mwanawe.
A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
22
Mtu wa hasira huchochea ugomvi; Na mtu mwenye ghadhabu huasi sana.
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23
Kiburi cha mtu kitamshusha; Bali mwenye roho ya unyenyekevu ataheshimiwa.
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24
Mshiriki wa mwivi huichukia nafsi yake mwenyewe; Asikia maapizo, wala hana neno.
A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath but does not testify.
25
Kuwaogopa wanadamu huleta mtego; Bali amtumainiye Bwana atakuwa salama.
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
26
Watu wengi hutafuta upendeleo wa mkuu; Bali hukumu ya kila mtu hutoka kwa Bwana
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
27
Mtu aliye dhalimu ni chukizo kwa wenye haki; Na mnyofu wa mwenendo ni chukizo kwa waovu.
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.