Proverbs

¹ to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

² The Lord is the Maker of them all.

³ but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

⁴ bring wealth and honor and life.

⁵ but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

⁶ and when he is old he will not turn from it.

⁷ and the borrower is servant to the lender.

⁸ and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

⁹ for he shares his food with the poor.

¹⁰ quarrels and insults are ended.

¹¹ will have the king for his friend.

¹² but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

¹³ or, “I will be murdered in the streets!”

¹⁴ he who is under the Lord’s wrath will fall into it.

¹⁵ but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

¹⁶ and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

¹⁷ Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,

¹⁸ and have all of them ready on your lips.

¹⁹ I teach you today, even you.

²⁰ sayings of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?

²² and do not crush the needy in court,

²³ and will plunder those who plunder them.

²⁴ do not associate with one easily angered,

²⁵ and get yourself ensnared.

²⁶ or puts up security for debts;

²⁷ your very bed will be snatched from under you.

²⁸ set up by your forefathers.

²⁹ He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.