[1] A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better 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 rule 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.