14 My children, be true to your training and be at peace;

hidden wisdom and unseen treasure—

of what value is either?

A Series of Contrasts

15 Better are those who hide their folly

than those who hide their wisdom.

16 Therefore show respect for my words;

for it is not good to feel shame in every circumstance,

nor is every kind of abashment to be approved.c

17 Be ashamed of sexual immorality, before your father or mother;

and of a lie, before a prince or a ruler;

18 of a crime, before a judge or magistrate;

and of a breach of the law, before the congregation and the people;

of unjust dealing, before your partner or your friend;

19 and of theft, in the place where you live.

Be ashamed of breaking an oath or agreement,d

and of leaning on your elbow at meals;

of surliness in receiving or giving,

20 and of silence, before those who greet you;

of looking at a prostitute,

21 and of rejecting the appeal of a relative;

of taking away someone’s portion or gift,

and of gazing at another man’s wife;

22 of meddling with his servant-girl—

and do not approach her bed;

of abusive words, before friends—

and do not be insulting after making a gift.

42 Be ashamed of repeating what you hear,

and of betraying secrets.

Then you will show proper shame,

and will find favor with everyone.

Of the following things do not be ashamed,

and do not sin to save face:

2 Do not be ashamed of the law of the Most High and his covenant,

and of rendering judgment to acquit the ungodly;

3 of keeping accounts with a partner or with traveling companions,

and of dividing the inheritance of friends;

4 of accuracy with scales and weights,

and of acquiring much or little;

5 of profit from dealing with merchants,

and of frequent disciplining of children,

and of drawing blood from the back of a wicked slave.

6 Where there is an untrustworthy wife, a seal is a good thing;

and where there are many hands, lock things up.

7 When you make a deposit, be sure it is counted and weighed,

and when you give or receive, put it all in writing.

8 Do not be ashamed to correct the stupid or foolish

or the aged who are guilty of sexual immorality.

Then you will show your sound training,

and will be approved by all.