Advice for Everyday Life

1A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth,

and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold.

2The rich and the poor have this in common—

the LORD created both of them.

3The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides,

but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences.

4The reward of humility is the fear of the LORD,

along with wealth, honor, and life.

5Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse person,

but whoever is cautious stays far away from them.

6Train a child in the way appropriate for him,

and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it.

7The wealthy rule over the poor,

and anyone who borrows is a slave to the lender.

8Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble,

and the anger he uses for a weapona will be destroyed.

9Whoever is generousb will be blessed,

for he shares his food with the poor.

10Throw out the mocker and strife departs, too;c

furthermore, quarrelsd and discord will end.

11Whoever loves puritye and gracious speech

will gain the king as his friend.

12The LORD watches over anyone with knowledge,

but he ruins the plansf of the unfaithful.

13The lazy person says, “There is a lion outside!

I will be killed in the street!”

14The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit;

a man experiencing the LORD’s wrath will fall into it.

15A child’s heart has a tendency to do wrong,

but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him.

16Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself

and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy

will yield only loss.

Sayings of the Wise

17Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my teaching,

18for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you

and have them ready on your lips.

19As a result, your trust will be in the LORD,

that’s why I’m teaching you today, even you.

20Have I not written for you 30 sayings

containing counsel and knowledge,

21to teach you true and reliable advice,

so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?

22Don’t rob the poor person because he is poor,

and don’t crush the helpless in court,g

23for the LORD will plead their case

and ruin the lives of those who ruin them.

24Don’t make friends with a hot-tempered man,

and do not associate with someone who is easily angered,

25or you may learn his ways

and find yourself caught in a trap.

26Don’t be one of those who make promises

to guarantee loans for debts.

27If you don’t have the ability to pay,

why should your very bed be taken from under you?

28Don’t remove an ancient boundary stone

that was set up by your ancestors.

29Do you see a man skilled in his work?

He will work for kings, not unimportant people.