33 No evil will befall the one who fears the Lord,

but in trials such a one will be rescued again and again.*

2 The wise will not hate the law,

but the one who is hypocritical about it is like a boat in a storm.*

3 The sensible person will trust in the law,o

for such a one the law is as dependable as a divine oracle.*

4 Prepare what to say, and then you will be listened to;

draw upon your training and give your answer.

5 The heart of a fool is like a cart wheel

and his thoughts like a turning axle.*

6 A mocking friend is like a stallion

that neighs no matter who the rider is.

Differences in Nature and in Humankind

7 Why is one day more important than another,

when all the daylight in the year is from the sun?*

8 By the Lord’s wisdom they were distinguished,

and he appointed the different seasons and festivals.*

9 Some days he exalted and hallowed,

and some he made ordinary days.*

10 All humans come from the ground,

and humankindp was created out of the dust.*

11 In the fullness of his knowledge the Lord distinguished them

and appointed their different ways.*

12 Some he blessed and exalted,

and some he made holy and brought near to himself,

but some he cursed and brought low

and turned them out of their place.*

13 Like clay in the hand of the potter,

to be molded as he pleases,

so are humans in the hand of their Maker,

to be given whatever he decides.*

14 Good is the opposite of evil

and life the opposite of death;

so the sinner is the opposite of the godly.*

15 Look at all the works of the Most High;

they come in pairs, one the opposite of the other.*

16 Now I was the last to keep vigil;

I was like a gleaner following the grape-pickers;*

17 by the blessing of the Lord I arrived first,

and like a grape-picker I filled my winepress.*

18 Consider that I have not labored for myself alone

but for all who seek instruction.*

19 Hear me, you who are great among the people,

and you leaders of the congregation, pay heed!

The Advantage of Independence

20 To son or wife, to brother or friend,

do not give power over yourself, as long as you live,

and do not give your property to another,

in case you change your mind and must ask for it.

21 While you are still alive and have breath in you,

do not let anyone take your place.

22 For it is better that your children should ask from you

than that you should look to the hand of your children.

23 Excel in all that you do;

bring no stain upon your honor.

24 At the time when you end the days of your life,

in the hour of death, distribute your inheritance.*

The Treatment of Slaves

25 qFodder and a stick and burdens for a donkey;

bread and discipline and work for a slave.*

26 Set your slaves to work,r and you will find rest;

leave their hands idle, and they will seek liberty.

27 Yoke and strap will bow the neck,

and for wicked slaves there are racks and tortures.*

28 Put them to work in order that they may not be idle,

29 for idleness teaches much evil.*

30 Set them to work as is fitting for them,

and if they do not obey make their fetters heavy.

Do not be overbearing toward anyone,

and do nothing without deliberation.*

31 If you have but one slave, treat him like yourself,

because you have bought him with blood.

If you have but one slave, treat him like a brother,

for you will need him as you need your life.*

32 If you ill-treat him and he leaves you and runs away,

33 which way will you go to seek him?