1 A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.

2 T he 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 T he result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.

5 T horns and snares are in the path of the wicked: whoever guards his soul stays from them.

6 T rain up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

7 T he rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

8 H e who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9 H e who has a generous eye will be blessed; for he shares his food with the poor.

10 D rive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.

11 H e who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king’s friend.

12 Y ahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge; but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13 T he sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!”

14 T he mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: he who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.

15 F olly is bound up in the heart of a child: the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

16 W hoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.

17 T urn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.

18 F or it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

19 T hat your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you.

20 H aven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

21 T o teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

22 D on’t exploit the poor, because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court;

23 f or Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

24 D on’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger:

25 l est you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.

26 D on’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

27 I f you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

28 D on’t move the ancient boundary stone, which your fathers have set up.

29 D o you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.