[1] It is better to be respected than to be rich. A good name is more important than silver or gold.
[2] Rich people and poor people are the same. The Lord made them all.
[3] Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way. But foolish people go straight to the trouble and suffer because of it.
[4] Respect the Lord and be humble. Then you will have wealth, honor, and true life.
[5] Evil people are trapped by many troubles. But the person who cares for his soul stays away from trouble.
[6] Teach a child the right way to live while he is young. Then when he grows older, he will continue living that way.
[7] Poor people are slaves to rich people. The person who borrows is a servant to the person who lends.
[8] A person who spreads trouble will harvest trouble. And in the end, that person will be destroyed because of the trouble he gave other people.
[9] A person who gives freely will be blessed. He will be blessed because he shares his food with poor people.
[10] If a person thinks he is better than other people, force him to leave. When that person leaves, trouble will leave with him. Then arguments and bragging will end.
[11] The king will be your friend if you love a pure heart and kind words.
[12] The Lord watches over and protects people who know him. But he destroys people who turn against him.
[13] The lazy person says, “I can’t go ˻to work˼ now. There is a lion outside. It might kill me.”
[14] The sin of adultery is like a trap. The Lord will become very angry at the person who falls into that trap.
[15] Children do foolish things. But if you punish them, they will learn not to do those things.
[16] These two things will make you poor—hurting poor people to make yourself rich, and giving gifts to rich people.
[17] Listen to the things that I say. I will teach you the things wise men have said. Learn from these teachings.
[18] It will be good for you if you remember these things. It will help you if you can say these words.
[19] I will teach you these things now. I want you to trust the Lord.
[20] I have written 30 sayings for you. These are words of advice and wisdom.
[21] These words will teach you true and important things. Then you can give good answers to the one that sent you.
[22] It is easy to steal from poor people, but don’t do it. And don’t take advantage of those poor people in court.
[23] The Lord is on their side. He supports them and he will take things away from any person that takes from them.
[24] Don’t be friends with a person who becomes angry easily. Don’t go near a person who becomes mad fast.
[25] If you do, you may learn to be like him. Then you will have the same troubles he has.
[26] Don’t promise to be responsible for another person’s debts.
[27] If you can’t pay his debt, then you will lose everything you have. Why should you lose the bed you sleep on?
[28] Never move an old property line that was marked long ago by your ancestors.
[29] If a person is skilled in his work, then he is good enough to serve kings. He will not have to work for people who are not important.