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:
the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man sees danger and takes cover,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
4 The result of humility and the fear of the Lord
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 the Lord 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 the wrath of the Lord 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 I teach you today, yes, you,
so that your trust may be in the Lord.
20 Have I not written to you 30 excellent things
of counsel and knowledge,
21 to teach you truth, reliable words,
to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
22 Do not exploit the poor, because he is poor
and do not crush the needy in court,
23 for the Lord will plead their case
and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
24 Do not befriend a hot-tempered man
and do not associate with one who harbors anger,
25 lest you learn his ways
and ensnare your soul.
26 Do not be one of those who strike hands
of those who are collateral for debts.
27 If you do not have means to pay,
why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 Do not 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 will not serve obscure men.