[1] Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
[2] The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.
[3] A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
[4] True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
[5] Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
[6] Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
[7] Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
[8] Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.
[9] Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
[10] Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.
[11] Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
[12] The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
[13] The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”
[14] The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.
[15] A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.
[16] A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
[17] Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
[18] For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.
[19] I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the Lord.
[20] I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.
[21] In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
[22] Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.
[23] For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
[24] Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,
[25] or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
[26] Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
[27] If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
[28] Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.
[29] Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.