[1] A good name is more desirable than great riches; Loving favor rather
than silver and gold. [2] The rich and the poor have this in common:
Yahweh is the maker of them all. [3] A prudent man sees danger, and hides
himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it. [4] The result of
humility and the fear of Yahweh Is wealth, honor, and life. [5] Thorns
and snares are in the path of the wicked: Whoever guards his soul stays
from them. [6] Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is
old he will not depart from it. [7] The rich rules over the poor. The
borrower is servant to the lender. [8] He who sows wickedness reaps
trouble, And the rod of his fury will be destroyed. [9] He who has a
generous eye will be blessed; For he shares his food with the poor. [10]
Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; Yes, quarrels and insults
will stop. [11] He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully Is
the king`s friend. [12] The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge; But he
frustrates the words of the unfaithful. [13] The sluggard says, "There is a
lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!" [14] The mouth of an
adulteress is a deep pit: He who is under Yahweh`s wrath will fall into
it. [15] Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: The rod of
discipline drives it far from him. [16] Whoever oppresses the poor for his
own increase and whoever gives to the rich, Both come to poverty. [17]
Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to
my teaching. [18] For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
If all of them are ready on your lips. [19] That your trust may be in
Yahweh, I teach you today, even you. [20] Haven`t I written to you
thirty excellent things Of counsel and knowledge, [21] To teach you
truth, reliable words, To give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
[22] Don`t exploit the poor, because he is poor; And don`t crush the
needy in court; [23] For Yahweh will plead their case, And plunder the
life of those who plunder them. [24] Don`t befriend a hot-tempered man,
And don`t associate with one who harbors anger: [25] Lest you learn his
ways, And ensnare your soul. [26] Don`t you be one of those who strike
hands, Of those who are collateral for debts. [27] If you don`t have
means to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you? [28]
Don`t move the ancient boundary stone, Which your fathers have set up.
[29] Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings; He
won`t serve obscure men.
