1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common:

The Lord is the Maker of them all.

3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,

but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

4 Humility is the fear of the Lord;

its wages are riches and honor and life.

5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,

but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

6 Start children off on the way they should go,

and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,

and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

9 The generous will themselves be blessed,

for they share their food with the poor.

10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;

quarrels and insults are ended.

11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace

will have the king for a friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!

I’ll be killed in the public square!”

14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;

a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth

and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;

apply your heart to what I teach,

18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart

and have all of them ready on your lips.

19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,

I teach you today, even you.

20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,

sayings of counsel and knowledge,

21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,

so that you bring back truthful reports

to those you serve?

22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor

and do not crush the needy in court,

23 for the Lord will take up their case

and will exact life for life.

24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,

do not associate with one easily angered,

25 or you may learn their ways

and get yourself ensnared.

26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge

or puts up security for debts;

27 if you lack the means to pay,

your very bed will be snatched from under you.

28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone

set up by your ancestors.

29 Do you see someone skilled in their work?

They will serve before kings;

they will not serve before officials of low rank.

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

And loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together:

The Lord is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself:

But the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility and the fear of the Lord

Are riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward:

He that doth keep his soul shall be far 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 ruleth over the poor,

And the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity:

And the rod of his anger shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed;

For he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out;

Yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart,

For the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge,

And he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without,

I shall be slain in the streets.

14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit:

He that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child;

But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches,

And he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,

And apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee;

They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the Lord,

I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

20 Have not I written to thee excellent things

In counsels and knowledge,

21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;

That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor:

Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

23 For the Lord will plead their cause,

And spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

24 Make no friendship with an angry man;

And with a furious man thou shalt not go:

25 Lest thou learn his ways,

And get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands,

Or of them that are sureties for debts.

27 If thou hast nothing to pay,

Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark,

Which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business?

He shall stand before kings;

He shall not stand before mean men.

1 Choose a good reputation over great riches;

being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and poor have this in common:

The Lord made them both.

3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.

The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4 True humility and fear of the Lord

lead to riches, honor, and long life.

5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;

whoever values life will avoid it.

6 Direct your children onto the right path,

and when they are older, they will not leave it.

7 Just as the rich rule the poor,

so the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,

and their reign of terror will come to an end.

9 Blessed are those who are generous,

because they feed the poor.

10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.

Quarrels and insults will disappear.

11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech

will have the king as a friend.

12 The Lord preserves those with knowledge,

but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there!

If I go outside, I might be killed!”

14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap;

those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.

15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,

but physical discipline will drive it far away.

16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor

or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

17 Listen to the words of the wise;

apply your heart to my instruction.

18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart

and always ready on your lips.

19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—

so you will trust in the Lord.

20 I have written thirty sayings for you,

filled with advice and knowledge.

21 In this way, you may know the truth

and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can,

or exploit the needy in court.

23 For the Lord is their defender.

He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

24 Don’t befriend angry people

or associate with hot-tempered people,

25 or you will learn to be like them

and endanger your soul.

26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt

or put up security for someone else.

27 If you can’t pay it,

even your bed will be snatched from under you.

28 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers

set up by previous generations.

29 Do you see any truly competent workers?

They will serve kings

rather than working for ordinary people.

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and the poor have this in common,

The Lord is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,

But the simple pass on and are punished.

4 By humility and the fear of the Lord

Are riches and honor and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;

He who guards his soul will be far 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,

And the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow,

And the rod of his anger will fail.

9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed,

For he gives of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;

Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

11 He who loves purity of heart

And has grace on his lips,

The king will be his friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge,

But He overthrows the words of the faithless.

13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!

I shall be slain in the streets!”

14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit;

He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there.

15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;

The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches,

And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,

And apply your heart to my knowledge;

18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;

Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

19 So that your trust may be in the Lord;

I have instructed you today, even you.

20 Have I not written to you excellent things

Of counsels and knowledge,

21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,

That you may answer words of truth

To those who send to you?

22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor,

Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;

23 For the Lord will plead their cause,

And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

24 Make no friendship with an angry man,

And with a furious man do not go,

25 Lest you learn his ways

And set a snare for your soul.

26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge,

One of those who is surety for debts;

27 If you have nothing with which to pay,

Why should he take away your bed from under you?

28 Do not remove the ancient landmark

Which your fathers have set.

29 Do you see a man who excels in his work?

He will stand before kings;

He will not stand before unknown men.

1 Being respected is more important than having great riches.

To be well thought of is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and the poor are alike

in that the Lord made them all.

3 The wise see danger ahead and avoid it,

but fools keep going and get into trouble.

4 Respecting the Lord and not being proud

will bring you wealth, honor, and life.

5 Evil people’s lives are like paths covered with thorns and traps.

People who guard themselves don’t have such problems.

6 Train children to live the right way,

and when they are old, they will not stray from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor,

and borrowers are servants to lenders.

8 Those who plan evil will receive trouble.

Their cruel anger will come to an end.

9 Generous people will be blessed,

because they share their food with the poor.

10 Get rid of the one who makes fun of wisdom.

Then fighting, quarrels, and insults will stop.

11 Whoever loves pure thoughts and kind words

will have even the king as a friend.

12 The Lord guards knowledge,

but he destroys false words.

13 The lazy person says, “There’s a lion outside!

I might get killed out in the street!”

14 The words of an unfaithful wife are like a deep trap.

Those who make the Lord angry will get caught by them.

15 Every child is full of foolishness,

but punishment can get rid of it.

16 Whoever gets rich by mistreating the poor,

and gives presents to the wealthy, will become poor.

17 Listen carefully to what wise people say;

pay attention to what I am teaching you.

18 It will be good to keep these things in mind

so that you are ready to repeat them.

19 I am teaching them to you now

so that you will put your trust in the Lord.

20 I have written thirty sayings for you,

which give knowledge and good advice.

21 I am teaching you true and reliable words

so that you can give true answers to anyone who asks.

22 Do not abuse poor people because they are poor,

and do not take away the rights of the needy in court.

23 The Lord will defend them in court

and will take the life of those who take away their rights.

24 Don’t make friends with quick-tempered people

or spend time with those who have bad tempers.

25 If you do, you will be like them.

Then you will be in real danger.

26 Don’t promise to pay what someone else owes,

and don’t guarantee anyone’s loan.

27 If you cannot pay the loan,

your own bed may be taken right out from under you.

28 Don’t move an old stone that marks a border,

because those stones were set up by your ancestors.

29 Do you see people skilled in their work?

They will work for kings, not for ordinary people.

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

And loving favor rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and the poor meet together:

Jehovah is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself;

But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

4 The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah

Is riches, and honor, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse:

He that keepeth his soul shall be far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go,

And even when he is old he will not depart from it.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor;

And the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap calamity;

And the rod of his wrath shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed;

For he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will go out;

Yea, strife and ignominy will cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart,

For the grace of his lips the king will be his friend.

12 The eyes of Jehovah preserve him that hath knowledge;

But he overthroweth the words of the treacherous man.

13 The sluggard saith, There is a lion without;

I shall be slain in the streets.

14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit;

He that is abhorred of Jehovah shall fall therein.

15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;

But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his gain,

And he that giveth to the rich, shall come only to want.

17 Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,

And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee,

If they be established together upon thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in Jehovah,

I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee.

20 Have not I written unto thee excellent things

Of counsels and knowledge,

21 To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth,

That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor;

Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

23 For Jehovah will plead their cause,

And despoil of life those that despoil them.

24 Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger;

And with a wrathful man thou shalt not go:

25 Lest thou learn his ways,

And get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be thou not one of them that strike hands,

Or of them that are sureties for debts.

27 If thou hast not wherewith to pay,

Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark,

Which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings;

He shall not stand before mean men.

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches; loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together; Jehovah is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah is riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse: he that keepeth his soul holdeth himself far from them.

6 Train up the child according to the tenor of his way, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor; and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth unrighteousness shall reap iniquity, and the rod of his wrath shall have an end.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention will depart, and strife and ignominy shall cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart, upon whose lips is grace, the king is his friend.

12 The eyes of Jehovah preserve knowledge; but he overthroweth the words of the unfaithful.

13 The sluggard saith, There is a lion without, I shall be killed in the streets!

14 The mouth of strange women is a deep ditch: he with whom Jehovah is displeased shall fall therein.

15 Folly is bound in the heart of a child; the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor, it is to enrich him; he that giveth to the rich, bringeth only to want.

17 Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee: they shall be together fitted on thy lips. 19 That thy confidence may be in Jehovah, I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things, in counsels and knowledge, 21 that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate; 23 for Jehovah will plead their cause, and despoil the soul of those that despoil them.

24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and go not with a furious man; 25 lest thou learn his paths, and get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be not of them that strike hands, of them that are sureties for debts: 27 if thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set.

29 Hast thou seen a man diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before the mean.

1 A good name is more desirable than great wealth. 

Respect is better than silver or gold. 

2 The rich and the poor have this in common: 

the Lord is the maker of them all. 

3 Sensible people foresee trouble and hide ⸤from it⸥, 

but gullible people go ahead and suffer ⸤the consequence⸥. 

4 On the heels of humility (the fear of the Lord) 

are riches and honor and life. 

5 A devious person has thorns and traps ahead of him. 

Whoever guards himself will stay far away from them. 

6 Train a child in the way he should go, 

and even when he is old he will not turn away from it. 

7 A rich person rules poor people, 

and a borrower is a slave to a lender. 

8 Whoever plants injustice will harvest trouble, 

and this weapon of his own fury will be destroyed. 

9 Whoever is generous will be blessed 

because he has shared his food with the poor. 

10 Drive out a mocker, and conflict will leave. 

Quarreling and abuse will stop. 

11 Whoever loves a pure heart and whoever speaks graciously 

has a king as his friend. 

12 The Lord’s eyes watch over knowledge, 

but he overturns the words of a treacherous person. 

13 A lazy person says, 

“There’s a lion outside! 

I’ll be murdered in the streets!” 

14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit. 

The one who is cursed by the Lord will fall into it. 

15 Foolishness is firmly attached to a child’s heart. 

Spanking will remove it far from him. 

16 Oppressing the poor for profit 

⸤or⸥ giving to the rich 

certainly leads to poverty. 

17 Open your ears, and hear the words of wise people, 

and set your mind on the knowledge I give you. 

18 It is pleasant if you keep them in mind 

⸤so that⸥ they will be on the tip of your tongue, 

19 so that your trust may be in the Lord. 

Today I have made them known to you, especially to you. 

20 Didn’t I write to you previously with advice and knowledge 

21 in order to teach you the words of truth 

so that you can give an accurate report to those who send you? 

22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor 

or trample on the rights of an oppressed person at the city gate, 

23 because the Lord will plead their case 

and will take the lives of those who rob them. 

24 Do not be a friend of one who has a bad temper, 

and never keep company with a hothead, 

25 or you will learn his ways 

and set a trap for yourself. 

26 Do not be ⸤found⸥ among those who make deals with a handshake, 

among those who guarantee other people’s loans. 

27 If you have no money to pay back a loan, 

why should your bed be repossessed? 

28 Do not move an ancient boundary marker 

that your ancestors set in place. 

29 Do you see a person who is efficient in his work? 

He will serve kings. 

He will not serve unknown people. 

1 A good name is to be chosen over great wealth;

favor is better than silver and gold.

2 The rich and the poor have this in common:

the Lord made them both.

3 A sensible person sees danger and takes cover,

but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.

4 The result of humility is fear of the Lord,

along with wealth, honor, and life.

5 There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked;

the one who guards himself stays far from them.

6 Teach a youth about the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is a slave to the lender.

8 The one who sows injustice will reap disaster,

and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9 A generous person will be blessed,

for he shares his food with the poor.

10 Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too;

then quarreling and dishonor will cease.

11 The one who loves a pure heart

and gracious lips—the king is his friend.

12 The Lord’s eyes keep watch over knowledge,

but He overthrows the words of the treacherous.

13 The slacker says, “There’s a lion outside!

I’ll be killed in the public square!”

14 The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit;

a man cursed by the Lord will fall into it.

15 Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth;

the rod of discipline will drive it away from him.

16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself,

and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.

17 Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,

and apply your mind to my knowledge.

18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you

and if they are constantly on your lips.

19 I have instructed you today—even you—

so that your confidence may be in the Lord.

20 Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings

about counsel and knowledge,

21 in order to teach you true and reliable words,

so that you may give a dependable report

to those who sent you?

22 Don’t rob a poor man because he is poor,

and don’t crush the oppressed at the gate,

23 for the Lord will take up their case

and will plunder those who plunder them.

24 Don’t make friends with an angry man,

and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered man,

25 or you will learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

26 Don’t be one of those who enter agreements,

who put up security for loans.

27 If you have no money to pay,

even your bed will be taken from under you.

28 Don’t move an ancient boundary marker,

that your fathers set up.

29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?

He will stand in the presence of kings.

He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

and favor is better than silver or gold.

2 The rich and the poor have this in common:

the Lord is the maker of them all.

3 The clever see danger and hide;

but the simple go on, and suffer for it.

4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord

is riches and honor and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;

the cautious will keep far from them.

6 Train children in the right way,

and when old, they will not stray.

7 The rich rules over the poor,

and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,

and the rod of anger will fail.

9 Those who are generous are blessed,

for they share their bread with the poor.

10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife goes out;

quarreling and abuse will cease.

11 Those who love a pure heart and are gracious in speech

will have the king as a friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

but he overthrows the words of the faithless.

13 The lazy person says, “There is a lion outside!

I shall be killed in the streets!”

14 The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit;

he with whom the Lord is angry falls into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy,

but the rod of discipline drives it far away.

16 Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself,

and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.

17 The words of the wise:

Incline your ear and hear my words,

and apply your mind to my teaching;

18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,

I have made them known to you today—yes, to you.

20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings

of admonition and knowledge,

21 to show you what is right and true,

so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor,

or crush the afflicted at the gate;

23 for the Lord pleads their cause

and despoils of life those who despoil them.

24 Make no friends with those given to anger,

and do not associate with hotheads,

25 or you may learn their ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

26 Do not be one of those who give pledges,

who become surety for debts.

27 If you have nothing with which to pay,

why should your bed be taken from under you?

28 Do not remove the ancient landmark

that your ancestors set up.

29 Do you see those who are skillful in their work?

They will serve kings;

they will not serve common people.

1 A reputation is to be chosen rather than great riches;

favor is better than silver and gold.

2 Rich and poor have much in common;

Yahweh is the maker of all of them.

3 The clever sees danger and hides,

but the simple go on and suffer.

4 The reward of humility is the fear of Yahweh—

wealth and honor and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;

he who guards himself will keep away from them.

6 Train the child concerning his way;

even when he is old, he will not stray from it.

7 The rich will rule over the poor,

and the borrower is a slave of the lender.

8 He who sows injustice will reap calamity,

and the rod of his anger will fail.

9 He who is generous will be blessed,

for he gives to the poor from his own bread.

10 Drive out a scoffer and strife will go out;

quarrel and abuse will cease.

11 He who loves purity of heart

and has gracious speech, his friend is the king.

12 The eyes of Yahweh keep watch over knowledge,

but he will overthrow the words of the faithless.

13 A lazy person says “A lion in the street!

In the middle of the highway, I shall be killed!”

14 A deep pit is the mouth of an adulteress,

he with whom Yahweh is angry will fall there.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy;

the rod of discipline will drive it from him.

16 He who oppresses the poor in order to enrich himself,

or gives to the rich, will come to poverty.

17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise;

you shall apply your heart to my teaching.

18 For it is pleasant if you guard them within you;

together they will be ready upon your lips.

19 In order for your trust to be in Yahweh,

I have made them known to you today—even you.

20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings

with admonitions and knowledge?

21 In order to show you what is right—sayings of truth—

in order to return a true saying to him who sent you.

22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor,

and do not crush the afflicted at the gate;

23 For Yahweh will plead their case

and despoil those who despoil them of life.

24 Do not befriend an owner of anger,

and with a man of wrath you shall not associate;

25 lest you learn his way

and become entangled in a snare to yourself.

26 Do not be with those who give a pledge

by becoming surety.

27 If there is nothing for you to pay,

why will he take your bed from under you?

28 Do not remove an ancient boundary marker

which your ancestors made.

29 A man who is skillful in his work, you shall see:

before kings, he will serve;

he will not serve before the commoners.

1 You should want a good name more than you want great riches.

To be highly respected is better than having silver or gold.

2 The Lord made rich people and poor people.

That’s what they have in common.

3 Wise people see danger and go to a safe place.

But childish people keep going and suffer for it.

4 Have respect for the Lord and don’t be proud.

That will bring you wealth and honor and life.

5 Thorns and traps lie in the paths of evil people.

But those who guard themselves stay far away from them.

6 Train a child in the way he should go.

When he is old, he will not turn away from it.

7 Rich people rule over those who are poor.

Borrowers are slaves to lenders.

8 Anyone who plants evil gathers a harvest of trouble.

His power to beat others down will be destroyed.

9 Anyone who gives freely will be blessed.

That’s because he shares his food with those who are poor.

10 If you drive away those who make fun of others, fighting also goes away.

Arguing and unkind words will stop.

11 Have a pure and loving heart, and speak kindly.

Then you will be a friend of the king.

12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge.

But he does away with the words of those who aren’t faithful.

13 People who don’t want to work say, “There’s a lion outside!”

Or they say, “I’ll be murdered if I go out into the streets!”

14 The mouth of a woman who commits adultery is like a deep pit.

Any man the Lord is angry with will fall into it.

15 A child is going to do foolish things.

But correcting him will drive his foolishness far away from him.

16 One person may beat poor people down in order to get rich.

Another person may give gifts to rich people. Both of them will become poor.

17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of those who are wise.

Apply your heart to the sayings I teach.

18 It is pleasing when you keep them in your heart.

Have all of them ready on your lips.

19 You are the one I am teaching today.

I want you to trust in the Lord.

20 I have written 30 sayings for you.

They will give you knowledge and good advice.

21 I am teaching you words that are completely true.

Then you can give the right answers to the one who sent you.

22 Don’t take advantage of poor people just because they are poor.

Don’t beat down those who are in need by taking them to court.

23 The Lord will stand up for them in court.

He will take back the stolen goods from those who have robbed them.

24 Don’t be a friend with anyone who burns with anger.

Don’t go around with a person who gets angry easily.

25 You might learn his habits.

And then you will be trapped by them.

26 Don’t agree to pay for

what someone else owes.

27 Don’t put up money for him.

If you don’t have the money to pay,

your bed will be taken right out from under you!

28 Don’t move old boundary stones

that your people set up long ago.

29 Do you see a man who does good work?

He will serve kings.

He won’t serve ordinary people.

1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth,

Favor is better than silver and gold.

2 The rich and the poor have a common bond,

The Lord is the maker of them all.

3 The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,

But the naive go on, and are punished for it.

4 The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord

Are riches, honor and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;

He who guards himself will be far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go,

Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

7 The rich rules over the poor,

And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.

8 He who sows iniquity will reap vanity,

And the rod of his fury will perish.

9 He who is generous will be blessed,

For he gives some of his food to the poor.

10 Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out,

Even strife and dishonor will cease.

11 He who loves purity of heart

And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge,

But He overthrows the words of the treacherous man.

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 cursed of the Lord will fall into it.

15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;

The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.

16 He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself

Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,

And apply your mind to my knowledge;

18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

That they may be ready on your lips.

19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,

I have taught you today, even you.

20 Have I not written to you excellent things

Of counsels and knowledge,

21 To make you know the certainty of the words of truth

That you may correctly answer him who sent you?

22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor,

Or crush the afflicted at the gate;

23 For the Lord will plead their case

And take the life of those who rob them.

24 Do not associate with a man given to anger;

Or go with a hot-tempered man,

25 Or you will learn his ways

And find a snare for yourself.

26 Do not be among those who give pledges,

Among those who become guarantors for debts.

27 If you have nothing with which to pay,

Why should he take your bed from under you?

28 Do not move the ancient boundary

Which your fathers have set.

29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?

He will stand before kings;

He will not stand before obscure men.