Discipline and trust in the Lord.
v.19-22 Discipline. (v.19) A servant (or a son) is not disciplined by (cannot be corrected by) mere words. That is to say, words alone are not enough, for though he understands he will not heed (see v.15). Train up a child in the way he should go (22:6). (v.20) There is more hope for a fool than a man who is too hasty in his words. Consider your words carefully. Be quick to listen and slow to speak (Jas 1:19). (v.21) A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel (bring grief, NIV). (v.22) A man of wrath causes trouble and one given to anger much transgression (see also 14:17).
v.23 Pride. A man’s pride will humble him, but he who is humble will obtain honor (humility comes before honor, 15:33). By pride Mordecai lifted his hands against the Jews, but he was humbled on the gallows (Est 3-7). The Lord resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Prv 3:34, Jas 4:6).
v.24 Curse. Companions of criminals cannot but help getting entangled in their crimes. Called to testify in court they reveal nothing and bring a curse on their head. The proverb says such a person hates his own life.
v.25-26 Trust in the Lord. (v.25) The fear of man will become a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord is safe. (v.26) Many may seek after a rulers help, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
v.27 Just and unjust. The unjust are an abomination to the righteous but one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.
This ends the Hezekiah collection of Solomon’s proverbs (25:1-29:27).