1A good name is more desirable than great riches, and to be held in high esteem better than silver and gold. 2The rich and poor have this in common: the LORD is the Maker of them all. 3A prudent man foresees danger, and takes precautions; but the simple go blindly on, and suffer for it. 4True humility and the fear of the LORD lead to prosperity, honor, and life. 5The perverse travel a thorny and treacherous road; but he that guards his soul shall avoid these ‘road hazards’. 6Train up a child in the way he should go and, when he is old, he will not depart from it. 7Just as the rich rules over the poor, the borrower is slave to the lender. 8He that sows injustice shall reap disaster, and the rod of his oppression shall fail. 9He that is generous shall be blessed; because he shares his food with the poor. 10Throw out the scoffer, and strife, quarrels and insults will end. 11He that loves pureness of heart, and speaks with grace, the king shall be his friend. 12The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but He overturns the plans of the treacherous. 13The sluggard says, “There is a lion out there; if I go out, I will be killed in the streets.” 14The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; he that offends the LORD shall fall in it. 15Foolishness is found in an immature person, but the rod of discipline shall soon drive it away. 16He that oppresses the poor to gain his wealth, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want.

17Hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my instruction, 18For it is a pleasant thing to keep them in your heart, and have them ready on your lips. 19So that your trust may be in the LORD; I have taught them to you this day. 20Have I not written thirty excellent sayings to fill you with advice and knowledge, 21That you might know the certainty of the words of truth, that you might give a true answer to those who sent to you? 22Do not exploit the poor because he is poor; nor oppress the afflicted in the court: 23For the LORD will plead their cause, and ruin those who spoiled them. 24Do not be friends of an angry man; or associate with a man easily infuriated, 25Or you may learn his ways, and endanger your soul. 26Do not be one of those that shake hands, or pledge security for other people’s debts. 27If you have nothing to meet your obligation, why risk them taking your very bed from under you? 28Do not move old landmarks which your elders have established. 29Do you see someone diligent and skilled in his work? He shall serve kings and those of authority; rather than ordinary men.