[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.
