1A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
2Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.
3A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
4Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.
5In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.
6Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
10Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
11He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
12The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"
14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the Lord 's wrath will fall into it.
15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
16He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich-both come to poverty. Sayings of the Wise
17Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
18for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
19So that your trust may be in the Lord , I teach you today, even you.
20Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?
22Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
23for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.
24Do not make friends with a hot- tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,
25or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.
26Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
27if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
28Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.
29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.