He loosens ¹  the bonds ²  of kings and binds a loincloth ³  around their waist.

When ¹  I hear a reproof that dishonors ²  me, then my understanding ³  prompts me to answer. ⁴ 

For you hate instruction and reject my words. ¹ 

To receive ¹  moral instruction ²  in skillful living, ³  in ⁴  righteousness, ⁵  justice, ⁶  and equity. ⁷ 

Listen to my instruction ¹  so that you may be wise, ²  and do not neglect it.

Those who revolt are knee-deep in slaughter, ¹  but I will discipline them all. ² 

Listen, ¹  my child, ²  to the instruction ³  from ⁴  your father, and do not forsake the teaching ⁵  from ⁶  your mother.

My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, ¹  and do not loathe ²  his rebuke.

Listen, children, ²  to a father’s instruction, ³  and pay attention so that ⁴  you may gain ⁵  discernment.

And you will say, “How I hated discipline! My heart spurned reproof!

He will die because ¹  there was no discipline; because of the greatness of his folly ²  he will reel. ³ 

The one who heeds instruction ¹  is on the way to ²  life, but the one who rejects ³  rebuke goes astray.

The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, ¹  but the one who hates reproof is stupid. ² 

A wise son accepts ¹  his father’s discipline, ²  but a scoffer ³  does not listen to rebuke.

The one who neglects ¹  discipline ends up in ²  poverty and shame, but the one who accepts reproof is honored. ³ 

The one who spares his rod ¹  hates ²  his child, ³  but the one who loves his child ⁴  is diligent ⁵  in disciplining ⁶  him.

A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense. ¹ 

Severe discipline ¹  is for the one who abandons the way; the one who hates reproof ²  will die.

The one who refuses correction despises himself, ¹  but whoever hears ²  reproof acquires understanding. ³ 

The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, ¹  and before honor comes humility. ²