1A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth; being well-liked is better than silver and gold.
2The rich and the poor have one thing in common: Yahweh made them all.
3A smart person sees danger and hides, but naive people go on and suffer for it.
4Being humble and respecting Yahweh brings wealth, honor, and a long life.
5Thorns and traps are on the path of wicked people; anyone who protects himself stays away from them.
6Teach a child how they should live, and they will not forget it when they are old.
7The rich control the poor, and borrowers are servants to those who lend to them.
8Whoever spreads wickedness will experience trouble, and their angry power will be broken.
9A generous person will be blessed because they share their food with the poor.
10Get rid of people who mock, and arguments will stop; quarrels and insults will also end.
11Someone who loves a pure heart and speaks kindly is a friend of the king.
12Yahweh watches over knowledge, but he frustrates the plans of those who are not faithful.
13The lazy person says, "There's a lion outside! I'll be killed in the streets!"
14An unfaithful woman’s mouth is a deep trap; those who are under Yahweh’s anger will fall into it.
15Foolishness is deeply ingrained in a child’s heart, but punishment will drive it far away.
16Anyone who takes advantage of the poor to get richer, or who gives gifts to the wealthy, will end up poor.
17Listen carefully and pay attention to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.
18It is good if you remember these things and are able to speak them readily.
19I am teaching you today so that you may trust in Yahweh.
20Haven’t I given you excellent advice and knowledge in thirty sayings,
21to teach you true and dependable words, so you can give reliable answers to those who send you?
22Don’t take advantage of the poor just because they are poor, and don’t oppress the needy in court;
23for Yahweh will argue their case and take the lives of those who take from them.
24Don’t be friends with an easily angered person and don’t spend time with someone who has a bad temper;
25otherwise, you might learn their ways and get yourself into trouble.
26Don’t be one of those who shake hands and guarantee other people’s debts.
27If you can’t pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
28Don’t move the old boundary stone that your ancestors set up.
29Do you see someone who is good at their work? They will serve kings, not unimportant people.