1 | A good name is more to be desired than great wealth, and to be respected is better than silver and gold. |
2 | The man of wealth and the poor man come face to face: the Lord is the maker of them all. |
3 | The sharp man sees the evil and takes cover: the simple go straight on and get into trouble. |
4 | The reward of a gentle spirit and the fear of the Lord is wealth and honour and life. |
5 | Thorns and nets are in the way of the twisted: he who keeps watch over his soul will be far from them. |
6 | If a child is trained up in the right way, even when he is old he will not be turned away from it. |
7 | The man of wealth has rule over the poor, and he who gets into debt is a servant to his creditor. |
8 | By planting the seed of evil a man will get in the grain of sorrow, and the rod of his wrath will be broken. |
9 | He who is kind will have a blessing, for he gives of his bread to the poor. |
10 | Send away the man of pride, and argument will go out; truly fighting and shame will come to an end. |
11 | He whose heart is clean is dear to the Lord; for the grace of his lips the king will be his friend. |
12 | The eyes of the Lord keep knowledge, but by him the acts of the false man will be overturned. |
13 | The hater of work says, There is a lion outside: I will be put to death in the streets. |
14 | The mouth of strange women is a deep hole: he with whom the Lord is angry will go down into it. |
15 | Foolish ways are deep-seated in the heart of a child, but the rod of punishment will send them far from him. |
16 | He who is cruel to the poor for the purpose of increasing his profit, and he who gives to the man of wealth, will only come to be in need. |
17 | Let your ear be bent down for hearing my words, and let your heart give thought to knowledge. |
18 | For it is a delight to keep them in your heart, to have them ready on your lips. |
19 | So that your faith may be in the Lord, I have made them clear to you this day, even to you. |
20 | Have I not put in writing for you thirty sayings, with wise suggestions and knowledge, |
21 | To make you see how certain are true words, so that you may give a true answer to those who put questions to you? |
22 | Do not take away the property of the poor man because he is poor, or be cruel to the crushed ones when they come before the judge: |
23 | For the Lord will give support to their cause, and take the life of those who take their goods. |
24 | Do not be friends with a man who is given to wrath; do not go in the company of an angry man: |
25 | For fear of learning his ways and making a net ready for your soul. |
26 | Be not one of those who give their hands in an agreement, or of those who make themselves responsible for debts: |
27 | If you have nothing with which to make payment, he will take away your bed from under you. |
28 | Let not the old landmark be moved which your fathers have put in place. |
29 | Have you seen a man who is expert in his business? he will take his place before kings; his place will not be among low persons. |